What does Romans 13:14 mean

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. — Romans 13:14 KJV

Read Full Chapter

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. — Romans 13:14 NIV

Read Full Chapter

Reflection on Verse for Today

This verse speaks to the importance of intentionally seeking to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with the character of Christ. It challenges us to resist the pull of our natural desires and to instead seek to live in accordance with God’s will. This involves making a conscious decision to prioritize our relationship with Christ and to allow His Spirit to guide us in all that we do.

The imagery of clothing ourselves with Christ is a powerful one. It reminds us that just as we put on clothes to protect ourselves and to project a certain image to the world, we are called to “put on” Christ and to live in a way that reflects His love and grace to those around us. This involves intentionally seeking to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

At the same time, the verse also warns us against the dangers of giving in to our fleshly desires. It reminds us that the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification can lead us down a path of destruction and can ultimately separate us from God. Instead, we are called to resist these temptations and to seek after the things that truly matter, such as love, justice, mercy, and righteousness.

Overall, this verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of intentionally seeking to align our lives with the character of Christ. It challenges us to resist the temptations of the flesh and to instead clothe ourselves with His love and grace. As we do so, we can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and become a living testimony to God’s love and goodness in the world.

My Prayer

Dear Lord, as I reflect on Romans 13:14, I am reminded of the importance of clothing myself with Christ and resisting the desires of the flesh. I know that this is not always easy, and that there are many temptations and distractions in the world that can pull me away from You. But I also know that You are faithful, and that You have promised to guide me and strengthen me as I seek to follow Your will.

So today, I pray that You would help me to clothe myself with Christ in every aspect of my life. Help me to seek after Your will and to align my thoughts, attitudes, and actions with Your character. Help me to resist the temptations of the flesh, and to instead seek after the things that truly matter.

Fill me with Your Spirit, Lord, and empower me to live a life that reflects Your love and grace to those around me. Help me to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in my life, and to become a living testimony to Your goodness and mercy in the world.

Thank You for Your faithfulness, Lord, and for Your unending love and grace. I pray that You would continue to guide me and strengthen me as I seek to follow You each and every day. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.