Day 12: Romans 5:1-11

 Read Romans 5:1-11

As you read consider - 

1. What stood out for you in this reading?
2. What is God saying about what He has done, is doing or will do?
3. How does the actions of God affect you and live with others?
4. What questions does the reading bring up for you?

Pastor Richard's reflection

In verses 1-5 God says through St Paul

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 

In this reading we are encouraged to see that:

• That our good and loving relationship with God has been made possible because of the actions of Jesus
• That all we need for us to be acceptable to God is the actions of Jesus on the cross and through the empty tomb
• Suffering therefore does not need to be seen as punishment from God but because we live in an imperfect world...and that by living through sufferings with Jesus we have hope
• God's willingness to die for us was not because we were good but because we needed what his forgiveness and love

Some stuff to contemplate:

• How does Romans 5:1-11 affect how you see God, yourself, and how you see and will interact with others?
• What does Romans 5:1-11  call you to talk to God (pray) about?  (Thanksgiving, more insight, help, forgiveness...)
• What do you think is worthwhile sharing with someone from what God has told you in Romans 5:1-11?