Nothing Can Separate
Who shall separate us from the
love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or
nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35
READ Romans 8:31–39
When Pris’ father, a pastor, answered God’s
call to pioneer a mission on a small island in Indonesia, Pris’ family
found themselves living in a rundown shack once used to house animals.
Pris remembers the family celebrating Christmas sitting on the floor and
singing praises while rainwater dripped through the thatched roof. But
her father reminded her, “Pris, just because we are poor doesn’t mean
God doesn’t love us.”
Some may see a life blessed by God as one that’s filled with riches,
health, and longevity. So in times of hardship, they may wonder if
they’re still loved by Him. But in Romans 8:31–39, Paul reminds us that
nothing can separate us from Jesus’ love—including trouble, hardship,
persecution, and famine (v. 35). This is the foundation for a truly
blessed life: God showed His love for us by sending His Son Jesus to die
for our sins (v. 32). Christ rose from death and is now sitting “at the
right hand” of the Father, interceding for us (v. 34).
In times of suffering, we can hold fast to the comforting truth that
our life is rooted in what Christ has done for us. Nothing—“neither
death nor life . . . nor anything else in all creation” (vv. 38–39)—can
separate us from His love. Whatever our circumstance, whatever our
hardship, may we be reminded that God is with us and that nothing can
separate us from Him.
By Yohana Ang |
How can you remind yourself that nothing can
separate you from Jesus’ love? How can knowing this truth change the
way you respond to life’s challenges?
Heavenly Father, open my eyes and heart to
understand more of Your love, and help me realize that Your love is
enough for my life. | | | | |
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Romans 5–8, Paul shared with the Roman
believers in Jesus what Christ had done to save them and enumerated the
spiritual blessings they had in Him. In Romans 8:31–35, he affirmed the
eternal security of the believer. Quoting from Psalm 44:22 (v. 36), Paul
made the point that believers aren’t exempt from afflictions and
sufferings, even physical death (v. 35). Yet he also affirmed that God
protects us (v. 31), saves us (v. 32), no longer condemns us (vv.
33–34), and covers us with His love (vv. 35–39). Three times Paul
assured us that we’re safe, secure, and victorious in Jesus’ great love
(vv. 35, 37, 39). No wonder the apostle triumphantly declared, “We are
more than conquerors through him who loved us. . . . [Nothing] will be
able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our
Lord” (vv. 37, 39).
K. T. Sim
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