hope

Romans 5:5-11
Hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
For while we were still helpless,
Christ died at the appointed time for the ungodly.
For only with difficulty will one die for a just person,
though perhaps for a good person
one might be willing to die.

But God proves his love for us
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
How much more then, since we are now justified by his Blood,
will we be saved through him from wrath.
Indeed, if, while we were enemies,
we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son,
how much more, once reconciled,
will we be saved by his life.
And not only that,
but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Reflection for Today on Romans
From the very first time I read Romans 5:5, I have loved that verse.  First of all, I love the fact that Paul tells us that “hope does not disappoint.” Of course this does not mean that everything in life will work out as we wish it would or as we plan for it to, but it does mean for me that there is more to the workings of this world and life than I can see.  It also means that there is a benevolent deity standing behind it all.  This truth is attested to by Paul when he adds, “because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.”  God’s love for me sustains me in my darkest times, and I know that the Spirit of God is always with me.  These two facts allow, even cause, me to have and keep hope in this crazy world.

Quote for Today
“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.” – George Iles