1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Reflection
- Now Paul becomes exuberant as he continues this justified-by-faith life. He mentioned three “rejoices” (vv2, 3, 11).
- What does a Christian see if he looks back? If he looks ahead? If he looks around? – Reconciliation.
Looking back, we rejoice in God’s salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ that we have been saved and reconciled to God (v10, 11).Looking ahead, we rejoice in the glory of God and the hope that we will stand by God throughout eternity (v2, 9).Looking around, we rejoice in our suffering as we are being saved continually. Jesus is even now at work within us to give us the power to live a holy life.
Our past, our present and our future are all transformed because of Him. And when we are reconciled with God, it paves the way for us to be reconciled with ourselves and with others. This is a great cause for our constant rejoicing and praising.
- Thank God for this Reconciliation Gospel. Pray that God will help you to live always in reconciliation with God, with yourself and with others.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv1-5only.)
Have you ever had a fight with someone and stopped talking with him/her? How did you feel about that? Did you make peace? Paul is very excited in this chapter when he continues talking about our new life after we make peace with God through Jesus Christ. Pray to thank God for making peace with us. Ask God to help you make peace with your friend.
Proverbs for Today 15:26-29
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure.
27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,
but he who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.