Romans 5:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 5Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Verse 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. Verse 3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, Verse 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, Verse 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Verse 6For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Verse 7Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person-though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. Verse 8But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
Devotion
As we who live in the United States prepare to observe anniversaries of our independence, we must remember that newly declared liberty does not always lead to peace. Coalitions of grievances break down, and the more powerful take control. Does the Apostle offer any clues for how we might find authentic character in our complex world with its raging entrepreneurs and scrolling dooms? Is there any hope of peace possible in which we can place our trust this side of heaven?
Pointing to Jesus’ sacrificial death—for us!—the Apostle tells us that existence is not merely a sequence of transactions in which your gain is my loss. Rather, true life and peace come as we trust in and are transformed by God’s infinite love.
Prayer
Thank you, O God, for the gift of Jesus, who died to reconcile the world to you. Fill us with your sacrificial love that we may work for your peace in our hearts and with you, in our communities and with all nature. Amen.
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