“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 ESV
When I read these words by Paul, I am always uplifted. To think that the Lord loves us-loves me -and that nothing in all of creation will separate me from His love is so comforting. I think of all the things I have done in my life, all the mean, nasty things that I have thought, and still, His love prevails over all of those grotesque things and atrocities that I have committed.
Maybe when you read this, you are struggling with accepting the love that Jesus offers. Maybe it's because of all the detestable things that you have done. Maybe you believe that you don’t deserve love, or that you shouldn’t be forgiven for the things that you have done under the cover of night.
The truth is we do not deserve anything. However, God loved us in the moments of those heinous crimes we committed, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).
The Lord tells us in Jeremiah 31:3, “... I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” The Lord our God will never leave you or forsake you, YES you. He accepts you where you are at, and speaks life into the dry bones so they will dance again. No matter the shame or guilt from past actions, He loves all His children.
I know what you’re thinking, “Well then why do bad things happen? Why does God allow good people to die?”
The truth is that SIN is the reason. But people do not understand what sin really is-a plague that infiltrates every aspect of the world. It's not only things people do, but is in every molecule that exists. For example, I have degenerative disc disease, where the discs in my neck just deteriorate. Did I do anything to create this? NO, it is the effects of sin in the world. Paul tells us in Romans that even nature longs for the return of paradise.
The Good News is that Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. That through Him all things work together (Rom 8:28). That through Him all things are held together, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17). That in Him we will find our rest (Matt 11:28-30). For His love endures forever (Ps. 136).
May today you lay down the falsehood of the self-talk that says you have done things that cannot be forgiven.
May today you come to the realization that Jesus has already died for our sins.
May today you come to the saving knowledge that Jesus is not just a good man, or is a good spiritual leader, but that He is the Son of God, that His name is above all names, that He is the walking Messiah who Humbled Himself to come from Heaven to the His people and to save them from sin and death, to call us to Himself, to call us friends, to call us conquerors, to call us His Beloved.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Greg
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About the Author: Greg Elias, of Restoration and Redemptive Counseling is a Professionally Certified Counselor with a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling, and Licensed Pastor with experience in Christian Counseling at Alive Again Alliance Church in Toms River New Jersey. His method of counseling is a combination of both experienced mental health treatment and faith-based healing, centered around the restoration of both the mind and the spirit. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or any mental or spiritual turmoil, Greg Elias and Restoration and Redemptive Counseling is here to help you find peace within. If you are looking for Mental Health Treatment, Christian Counseling or a Mental Health Service Provider please get in touch with us today. Please call or text us at (732) 592-9777 We are here for you.