Romans 5: 1 – 11 and 20 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. 2 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.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 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.
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 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. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 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. 10 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. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. …
20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.”
God’s grace is so inconceivable to us. Honestly, when someone does something to me that hurts me, I have a hard time trusting that person again. I might not be mean back to them, but I’d likely avoid them as much as possible. If I had expectations of someone, and they let me down by acting irresponsibly and ignoring me, I would have a hard time continuing to be their friend.
Yet, how did God treat us?
“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.” (v. 1 – 2) “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.” (v. 10 – 11)
“Friends of God.” Can you believe that? “God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.” (v. 20) Isn’t that baffling, unfathomable?
We can’t be thankful enough for God’s grace. If you are experiencing a day when life seems tough, when you wonder if you’re appreciated enough, when you wish you could live better, stop making mistakes … know that God loves you. “God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.” In those moments when you are feeling depressed and putting yourself down, take some time to praise God. Concentrate on how gracious He is. Remember you are a friend of God.
Our song for today is Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) by Hillsong Worship.