God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
When someone is robbed, wounded, or betrayed, feelings of anger and a desire for justice are normal. The Father experiences those feelings when people sin against Him. Yet, He sees beyond these to what people can become when they are yielded to Him. He loves humanity so much He went to great lengths: prophesying of Christ’s birth, showing examples in real life (such as the prophet Hosea marrying Gomer, the wayward wife), miraculously impregnating Mary, sending His Son to Earth and revealing Himself in Jesus for thirty-three years, and then sacrificing Him for sinful people. What great love!
In Matthew 5, Jesus says that the Father sends rain on the just and the unjust. The use of rain here isn’t a negative statement, such as raining on someone’s parade, but a positive, nurturing one as in rain that grows food and provides water to drink. His blessings surpass what anyone deserves.
The United States of America, as a whole, has committed many sins against God. But as Psalm 145:9 says, “His mercy is over all that he has made.” Thank the Lord for the blessings that He has made available in this country and ask that He continue to pour out His mercy and forgiveness. Pray for citizens and public officials alike to turn to Him in repentance and for help in times of need.
Today’s Verse: Romans 5:8
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 5:43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
