For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
The idea of God’s unconditional love for His creation transcends human understanding. How can a perfect God love a sinful and rebellious creation? No one is deserving of unconditional love. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s expectations and holy requirements. “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).”
Jesus loved us to death, literally. He spared no cost and paid the ultimate price to purchase our salvation and demonstrate His unfathomable love for humanity. I simply don’t know why Jesus loves us so much. Why did He dress Himself with human flesh and suffered the excruciating death on a rugged cross? Though He had the power and authority to destroy those who were killing Him, He never said a mumbling word and did not avenge Himself.
In today’s text, Paul tries to put into context the depth of Christ’s love for us. Paul poetically proclaims, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons nor any powers will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Wow!
Indeed, I can scarcely grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is. And to know that love that surpasses knowledge completes us and helps us to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:18-19). This immeasurable love reaches the highest heights and flows to the lowest valley to reach people in all phases of human development and spiritual formation.
Most people spend a lot of time and energy trying to earn the love of others. But God’s love does not need to be earned. It is gratuitous and generous. The angelic hosts marvel at the love of God for humanity. They can scarcely comprehend why God made the ultimate investment in our eternal future by making Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
I don’t know why Jesus forgave all my sins before I was even born. Why did He send the Holy Spirit to become our teacher and advocate knowing we would grieve His Holy Spirit? I don’t know why Jesus called and ordained me to become an ambassador of His heavenly kingdom knowing I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing (Romans 7:19).
Because of His love, God’s mercies for us are renewed every morning. The Lord has even made us joint heirs with Christ in the heavenly realm. I don’t know why God’s wrath has not consumed us, and His righteous judgment has not condemned us. Why does God continue to draw us to Himself and pour His strength into our weakness?
I don’t know why God gave us power and authority to steward His creation knowing we would abuse our powers, pollute the environment, and hurt one another disdainfully. Why has the Lord delayed the return of Jesus Christ to give more people time to repent and accept the gift of salvation, knowing that so many will reject that gift, follow false gods, and make alliances with the evil one? It must really be love!
Questions for Personal Reflection
How does the love of Christ impact your life?
How do you know if Jesus loves you?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for loving me just as I am and for continuing to transform me into the image of Christ. Thank you for your patience with me and for sending your Holy Spirit to help me live a life that is pleasing to you. I really don’t know why you love me so. But I vow to devote my whole life to helping build your kingdom on earth and bring glory to your holy name.
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