Verse of the Day

Bible Commentary

Romans 15:3 is a Bible Verse where Paul recites the words of Christ that depict the truth about the burden of oppression.

When we look into the meaning of “reproach” we find evidence of the accuser—Satan himself. In Webster’s, the definition is: to accuse of a fault; shame; disgrace.

Even though Christ won the victory over Satan when He died for us on the cross, Satan has had dominion (authority) over the earth.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Those spiritual forces of evil have a very powerful voice that constantly accuse, condemn and judge the people of the earth. It may be powerful, but very subtle in its approach and attack.

Reproach is like a thick, heavy odor that clings to the air and hovers over us. It comes to us in the form of a passing thought, which makes us feel guilty, fearful or both. It comes in the form of pointing fingers and critical words—from those close to us and from those we don’t even know.

Unlocking the Truth – Who You Are in Christ

It all happens as we’re going through the course of our daily work and activities, so it plays in the background of our life many times without our awareness of it.

As we go through life with the same chorus playing over and over in our ears, it becomes a heavy burden. And then over a period of time, without a healthy clean-out of all the junk that accumulates, the smallest event can trigger an outburst.

All of that guilt and/or fear comes bursting out, either in tears or anger. Or, hidden inside our minds with no release, it can affect the health of our bodies.

The effects of reproach can play a devastating effect upon our relationships and how we function in our day-to-day affairs, too. How we feel about ourselves has a pivotal role in the level of our happiness and contentment.

Reproach drags us down. It can be a gradual decline or like a landslide, it can come all at once. Look at Jesus’ words in Romans 15:3.

The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.

In other words, reproach does not belong to us anymore. Jesus took all of our reproach upon Himself when He died on the cross. Our reproach is DEAD. He took it to the grave and when He arose from the dead, He left it buried.

Then why do we still hear and feel the effects of reproach?

The devil has outsmarted us. Even though he has been defeated, we believe the false evidence in the world and in our own lives. He is the master deceiver, and we buy into it when we hear the sounds of reproach—when we’re afraid.

God tells us hundreds of times in the Bible, Do not fear. Why? Because what we fear is not even real.

False Evidence Appearing Real

I’m not saying it’s easy, but we can reject fear by clinging to the truth. But we must first recognize the lie. How do we do that? God’s Word.

Jesus said in John 15:7, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

It is through the Word of God that we become wise and gain spiritual insight. The Bible is the weapon God gave to us to fight the fight of faith (Ephesians 6:17). It is by faith that we overcome the lies of the devil.

King David lived in this victory during much of his life. He said in Psalm 27:6, “And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy…”

When our head is lifted up, we can see. The more we seek the truth in the Bible, the more we gain discernment. Then when we hear the sounds of reproach coming our way, we can recognize them and shut them down with the sword of the Spirit—the truth of God’s Word.

Living in Victory

Our minds are sharper because we’re filling it with the supernatural power of God’s Word. We must participate with Christ on a journey of faith to walk in the victory He won for us.

Whatever pain we have experienced because of our ignorance of the truth or a weak faith, God uses in His master plan to help us identify with Christ and His sufferings.

Whatever hardships we have experienced cannot compare to the pain Christ experienced upon the cross. The physical pain was bad enough, but the torture of His soul when God turned His back upon Him was the darkest of the dark.

Christ suffered His Own reproach when His very own rejected Him. Those He was sent to save falsely accused Him and then turned Him over to be tortured and crucified.

Nothing that we have gone through is wasted. It is meant to help us identify with the sacrifice of what our Savior went through for us. It draws us closer to Him.

Study the Bible verse of Romans 15:3, and discover the truth about who you are in Christ.

Daily Devotions & Prayer