Devotion: Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The month of February is known as a month of love. As Christians, every day should be filled with love for others. We have instructions in many different locations throughout the Bible that tell us to love others, care for them, and to show kindness and compassion. This month we focus on how we can love others, even if we don’t necessarily like them.

We begin in the book of Romans where Paul lays out salvation for us in simple terms. God loved us so much that Christ died in our place. Though we were deserving of death, Christ took our sin upon Himself and became the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).  Because He loved us so much, we are free from the ultimate consequence of our disobedience – eternal separation. Instead, we are embraced as children of God (Galatians 3:26). We have passed from death into life (John 5:24).

This love, this sacrificial, all-encompassing love, is written in Greek as agape. Agape love is the highest, most selfless form of love. It is unconditional, sacrificial, and focused on the highest good of others without expecting anything in return. It involves laying down one’s own desires for the sake of another, which is exactly what Christ did for us.

There is no love greater than the love God has for us. He has given us everything through His amazing, unending love, starting with salvation. Everything we learn for the remainder of the month is built upon this foundation of agape love. Take some time today to thank God for loving us so much that He sent His Son to be the sacrifice you didn’t deserve or earn. He sent His Son to die for YOU because He loves you beyond our comprehension. Don’t take that love for granted. Cherish it, hold it close, and live your life in thanks for what He has blessed you with.

Prayer: Lord, Thank You for sending Jesus to be the sacrifice for my sins. I confess I am not worthy and deserve death, and I repent of my sins. Forgive me. Amen

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