Don't Shoot the Messenger (Romans 3:10-12)

When we receive bad or disappointing news, it is easy to lash out at the bearer of the news. Our anger or frustration may be misdirected and projected upon the messenger. Hence, the adage, “Don’t shoot the messenger!” is often a reality.

As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
Romans 3:10-12

This is quite a damning statement, isn’t it? The Apostle Paul is unequivocally stating why we are completely lost and helpless in our sins. We may think we are good people, lead a good life, help others, and make the world a better place. But we are fooling ourselves. God has stated that not only are we not good people, we can’t even begin to be good people.

...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23

And no one likes to hear that message. We can become upset at Paul for writing this. We may turn our back on the pastor who preaches this message. But we are only attempting to shoot the messenger. The only person with whom we should be upset is ourself. We are sinners and try as we might, we will never stop being sinners.

God knows this and took action. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life. He is the only person who has ever lived and never sinned. He lived a life in perfect obedience to God. And He died to take the curse of sin upon Himself, taking the punishment that God rightfully reserves for us and all sinners and redeeming us. Jesus did this because He loved us.

Don’t shoot the messenger! Listen to the message! Confess your sins, repent, and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.