Romans 5-2.16.22

Scripture

Romans 5:6

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Observation-What does it say?

This passage in Romans reminds me of another passage in Scripture that I love: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:8-10

Understanding-What does it mean?

Nothing we do can make the Lord love us more (or less) than He already loved us when He decided to die for our sins. He chose to die before the creation/foundation of the world! (see Ephesians 1:4)

Life Application

God desires genuine relationship with us. 

Just like Pastor Levi preached on Sunday, the Lord desires authentic relationship with us. Not the type of relationship where we only come to Him when we have our act together or the type of relationship that feels good after we have prayed/fasted for 40 days or the type of relationship only based on works/mission for Him. No! He demonstrated His love for us while we were still in our filth, so He is waiting for us with open arms right now!

The darkest time in my life was when I had stopped praying to the Lord 20 years ago. I’m so thankful to my mom and others who were interceding on my behalf during that time, but because of shame, instead of drawing closer to the Lord, I ran away from Him. God never leaves us. We are the ones who leave him, so I just want to encourage us all that whatever season in life we are in whether still struggling with a sin area, or sick in bed or grieving or even rejoicing, the Lord desires relationship. We cannot stop communicating with Him.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for loving us even before we had anything to offer You. I admit that sometimes I associate my identity with my works for You, but You have loved me with an everlasting love since the beginning of time and have chosen me as Your beloved child.  For that, I am eternally grateful. May everything I do be as a result of my deep relationship with You and nothing more.  Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi