For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. (Romans 2:14-15).
What Paul is saying here is that, Without knowing the written law of God, (Ten Commandments) people in this world, or in Paul’s day, pagan societies, generally value and attempt to practice the most basic tenets. This is normal for cultures instinctively to value justice, honesty, compassion, and goodness toward others, reflecting the divine law written in their heart. Conscience– Men have a warning system that activates when they choose to ignore or disobey that law. Paul urges believers not to violate their own consciences or cause others to because repeatedly practiced the conscience’s warnings desensitizes it and eventually will silence it (Read Romans 1:18-32).
Missionary Marilyn Laszlo dedicated her life to giving the Hauna people of New Guinea the Bible in their own language. As she worked on the translation, she came to the word “sin.” When Marilyn asked the people what they thought sin was, they told her, “It’s when you lie.” “It’s when you steal.” “It’s when you kill.” “It’s when you take another man’s wife.” Marilyn was astounded. They were giving her God’s standard in the Ten Commandments. “God’s law written in the heart of man,” she later commented, underscoring the truth found in our text Romans 2:14-15.
Christian friend, God’s work through us should be like this, amazed that He would choose us, amazed that He would do all the necessary work in the heart of man, and tells us, “Go, and tell them about Me, and My love for them.”
May God bless your walk today!
