Series: Romans: Unity in Christ

Do you long for deeper unity in your church, but feel overwhelmed by division, disagreement, or differences?

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we often focus on the powerful theology of grace and salvation found in the first half, but the second half of the letter reveals something just as essential: a vision for a church united across ethnic, cultural, and social divides. This devotional series explores that vision by reading the second half of Romans in reverse, starting with the conclusion and working back through Paul’s practical, pastoral wisdom.

By reading Romans “back to front,” we uncover the everyday realities of the Roman house churches—diverse, messy, and deeply human. Paul writes not to an abstract audience but to real people: Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, men and women, weak and strong. He invites them—and us—into a gospel-shaped community, where grace is not only believed, but lived.

Each day offers insights into how Christians from different backgrounds can grow in love, humility, and mutual respect. You’ll reflect on themes like spiritual gifts, reconciliation, peace, and the danger of pride. And you’ll be reminded that the gospel doesn’t erase our differences—it redeems them into a beautiful, unified body.

In a time when polarization can seep into our churches, Paul’s vision still speaks clearly: welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you.

Let this devotional draw you into a deeper understanding of Romans and a renewed commitment to unity in Christ—across generations, cultures, and convictions.

Going with the Flow

Read: Romans 13:8-14; Luke 10:25-37 Owe no one anything, except to love each other. (Rom. 13:8) Most English translations of the Bible place a heading before Romans 13:8. Headings can

Beachhead Secure

Read: Romans 13:11-14 The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. (v. 11) A great illustration of the biblical hope in God’s future is drawn from the World

Where We’re Going

Read: Romans 9:1-5; Genesis 12:1-2 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ. (Rom. 9:5) I once told a tennis pro to

Recalculating

Read: Romans 9:6-13; Matthew 20:1-15 It is not as though the word of God has failed. (Rom. 9:6) When I use directions from the map on my phone when I’m

Throwing Pots

Read: Romans 9:14-24; Jeremiah 18:1-6 Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” (Rom. 9:20) When I first met my wife, she told

No Matter the Size

Read: Romans 9:25-29; Exodus 2:1-10 Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved. (Rom. 9:27)

Farsighted Stumbling

Read: Romans 9:30-10:13; Deuteronomy 30:11-14 The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. (Rom. 10:8) When I first got graduated lenses for my glasses, my distance

Acceptance and Rejection

Read: Romans 10:14-21; Luke 15:25-32 They have not all obeyed the gospel. (Rom. 10:16) My daughter planned to serve as a student teacher in England—but her visa to work in

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Read: Romans 11:1-10; 1 Kings 19:13-14 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! (Rom. 11:1) Today’s key verse is not only a key question for the

Kent Fry

Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.