Marie’s daily verse: Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ROMANS 14:19 NIV

DEVOTION, November 4, 2022

Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The little word “but” is a conjunction indicating a change in direction. “I meant to go north, but I  accidentally went south.” That is a change in direction. What is the change in direction Paul refers to in Romans 5:8? In Romans 5:7, Paul indicated that we humans would hardly die even for a good person. Then the “but.” Christ died for us while we were still sinners. We are not good people. We are sinners.

So, God loves sinners. That is wonderful news, since we all fit that description. God does not say to us, “Clean up your act, and then I will love you.” He expresses His love to us while we are still sinners, and rebels against His will. He does that by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for us. That is love beyond our comprehension.

The verse ends with four wonderful words. “Christ died for us.” Why would the glorious, eternal Son of God die for us? Love drove Him to the cross. Love for you, love for me. How can we not respond to such love with total faith and love for Jesus? We sing the hymn, “Love so amazing, so divine,  demands my soul, my life my all.” (“When I Survey…” p. 258, last verse).

Aren’t you glad you are a Christian? Aren’t you thankful that you heard the story of Jesus? Doesn’t it thrill you to know how much God loves you? How can anyone believe in Jesus and not want to give everything to Him in gratitude for what He has done for us? 

Father, it still astonishes me to realize that You loved me even when I was a sinner. I do believe in Your Son, Jesus Your love boggles my mind, but I thank you for Your love.  I thank you that Jesus died for me. I will thank You with my dying breath.  In Jesus’ wonderful, holy, loving name, I pray. Amen.