Paul’s main goal in his letter to the Christians in Rome is reconciliation. Paul knew that he couldn’t just tell these Christians to forgive, to be united, and to reconcile, if he didn’t first help them understand why. When we think in a new way, we live in a new way. God’s intent is to conform us to the image of Jesus. We are raised with Christ and clothed in his righteousness. This may mean that we look out of place. But we are dressed for where we are headed.