Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Scripture Insights
“Demonstrate” is a powerful word that means “to clearly show the existence of something by giving proof.” The fact that Christ died for us and chooses to forgive us when we are filled with sin is indisputable proof of God’s love.
Two verses earlier in this chapter, Paul says that Christ died for the ungodly when we were powerless. Why is that demonstration important? Because we live in a cynical world that celebrates us when we succeed and rejects us when we fail; a world that questions God’s existence; a world that wonders how a loving God could let atrocity happen.
Into that suspicious world, God offers a demonstration of his love that supersedes all arguments. God chooses to love us when we are at our worst, when we are unlovable. In other words, when you are at your lowest, his love is on full display. That demonstrated love lives in our hearts once we accept Christ. That demonstration transforms us from death to life. We are literally living proof of God’s love, and we are called to demonstrate the love of God to the world. Who in your life needs a demonstration of God’s love?
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Today’s Prayer
God, thank you for the demonstration of your love. Teach us how to demonstrate your love to others so they might find the same grace we have found, and help us always remember how your love changed our lives.
—Wendell Brown
CotN District Superintendent, North Central Ohio
