READ -- Romans 5:6-11

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

In our twisted world where the words love and lust are often intertwined beyond recognition, I am thankful for the clear and concise definitions found in God's holy word the Bible. In Romans 5:8 we read, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

I recall the first time hearing this verse was during a brief conversation with my friend and Catholic monk, Father Patrick. He did not go into a long dissertation or commentary, but rather said, "You know in Romans 5:8 it says . . ." A few years later, my boss at the time, Merle, also shared Romans 5:8 with me and a new idea on church graffiti. He was a deacon at a local Baptist church and they had finished building the new sanctuary. Merle told me they were going to put down the new carpet, but prior to this they were going to have a "Standing On God's Promises" service. He explained that parishioners were invited to come and write their favorite inspirational Bible verse on the floor, which would later be carpeted. I like the idea of figuratively and literally standing upon God's promises and will have to keep this in mind when I build my own cathedral.

Seriously, I found comfort in those words back then and also today. Yes, in a world where we desire and require one to prove things including "love" this verse is very timely. Jesus willing demonstrated His love for us by dieing for us. Even in our sinful state, as Romans 5:8 says, "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." And in John 3:16-17 we read, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."

In Romans 5:6 we read, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Yes, even when we could not help ourselves and were without strength, Jesus willing demonstrated His love for us on Calvary's cross. I pray that we would begin to feel and experience the love of Jesus more and more in our lives as we begin to embrace and understand what He has done for us. For in Romans 5:8 once again we read, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." May we find comfort in these words and stand upon His promises. Amen.

CHRIST DIED FOR US


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