Morning Devotional 051825 Perfecting Love

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  May 18, 2025

Romans 5:1-8

1 Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his faithfulness, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, and we boast in the hope of God’s glory. 3 But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance produces character, and character produces hope. 5 This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people. 7 It isn’t often that someone will die for a righteous person, though maybe someone might dare to die for a good person. 8 But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us. 

Good Morning! Happy Lord’s Day!

In Romans 5, Paul focuses on the benefits of being reconciled to God, including peace, grace, hope, and joy, even in the face of suffering. It also highlights God's demonstration of love by sacrificing Christ for ungodly sinners.

1 Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his faithfulness, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, and we boast in the hope of God’s glory.

These are the gifts of love that God gives to us, his children. Through these gifts we develop endurance, character, and hope. God’s story is the greatest love story ever told, and it continues today. 

We are not worthy of such gifts, but God bestows them on us because of love. There is nothing that we can do to earn God’s love. By God’s grace, we are loved despite our sinful ways. 

We are like the runt of the litter. We are weak and have to fight to survive, but through our struggles, we become strong enough to endure whatever obstacles we face. God chooses us, the runts (the unworthy), to carry the light of Christ into the world to save all.

What wondrous love is this, that God sees our potential that hides deep within our souls. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Instead of focusing on our flaws, you see our potential. Without you, we remain weak, but through you, we are strong. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God is with us through our challenges and trials. 

Perfection in Love! Pastor Liz