Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 NLT Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Devotion: There have been times throughout my life where I have encountered people who are trapped in sin. They cannot seem to get out. One mistake or bad decision leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another. Yet, as I look at them, I think about the saving work of Jesus. I think about our Heavenly Father’s love. I know that the grace of the Lord is more than enough for them if they ask for it.
But sometimes, I question that very grace for myself. It is easy to say that God loves someone else and can redeem them. When it comes to the dirt in my own life, it can be hard to imagine that God would still love me and forgive me.
One of the verses from today is the beautiful reminder that I need whenever I feel this way, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). Even in the midst of my sin, whether past or present, Christ died for me. The same grace that I can see so easily covers the sins of others covers my sins, too. My relationship with the Lord has been restored because of the saving work of Jesus. That is true now and will remain true for the rest of my life, no matter where I go or what I do. And the same is true for you.
Perhaps there is nothing more fitting to end this thought than with our last verse today, Romans 5:11, “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
Reflect:
- Meditate on Romans 5:11. What does it mean to you that you have a wonderful new relationship with God?
