My Life Verse Romans 8:1

I love the Bible and I have a lot of favorite verses. At some point in my life, Romans 8:1 became my life verse. Why and how?

One day I was reading through Romans again, and when I say again, I mean maybe the 200th time. Suddenly Romans 8:1, which says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” came alive to me. It was like an epiphany. I realized that although I am far from perfect, meaning I still sin, because I am in Christ I am not condemned. For some people that’s a no-brainer, but for me it was a revelation.

I grew up with a lot of guilt. Some of it had to do with the church I grew up in, and some of it had to do with the way I was brought up. Guilt followed me like a shadow. I just couldn’t shake it. I did all kinds of things to alleviate my guilt, but nothing seemed to work. Going to church, reading more Bible, praying more often and longer, doing good deeds, fasting, listening to more Christian music, and reading Christian books didn’t help. However, one verse, Romans 8:1, changed everything for me.

When I was 50 years old, I had Romans 8:1 tattooed on the inner part of my right bicep. Instead of having it tattooed in English, I decided to have it tattooed in biblical Greek. My reasoning was, people would see the tattoo and ask me about it. And of course, it would be an opportunity for me to share about my faith.

I also reasoned that if one day I took a horrible wipeout on a wave and drowned, those who find my body will see the tattoo and immediately look for an explanation. Their research will lead them to Romans 8:1, and that will be my last will and testament to the world.

And now you know why Romans 8:1 is my life verse.

Stay close to Jesus,

Steve