Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Romans 5:8 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
CHIEF OF SINNERS THOUGH I BE -- CHRIST DIED FOR ME
Have you ever heard your spouse or significant other say "I love you" but weren't sure if they actually meant it? It's easy to allow the meaning of something significant to become dull because of simple repetition. What adds more confusion to the situation is when our loved one does something that isn't so loving. It's much easier to judge someone based on what they do instead of what they say. How discouraging it would be to have someone continually say they love you but never show it! After a while, you would start to doubt the validity of what they say.
We know well that throughout the Bible God claims to love people. The parts of the Bible that describe God's love are probably the most used among Christians. Our Lord's clear declaration of love for mankind is something that all children of God cling to for support and strength. But what if God simply said it and never showed it? Many would probably doubt God and turn away from Him.
But this is not the case, the Holy Spirit reassures you just as He did Paul and the Christians in Rome. God not only says that He loves you, He showed you, He revealed it to you. He put on a demonstration. And how did God do this? He sacrificed His Son on the cross in your place for the payment of your sins. This is God's love, not only in word, but in action.
So when you're frustrated with your inability to express your love to others, or a close friend's lack of action in your relationship, remember how Christ showed His love for you. He died for sinners. How profound that is when you are at your lowest point -- morally, spiritually, physically, or emotionally, that is the very moment Christ desires to demonstrate His love for you! You don't have to earn His acceptance. You don't have to express it in word or action before He will love you. You don't have to do anything. While you are a sinner, Christ expresses His love for you -- the same love you couldn't show or express. He died for you and through the gospel has revealed this love in both word and action.
