Joy In Suffering

Romans 5:1-11

5 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.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Wai Gong
Japanese Christian Church – Walnut Creek

Observation: During communion services when we are asked to reflect on Christ’s death and resurrection, the one thing that truly astounds me is the Father’s love for me. Verse 5 really speaks to me in this passage because for me to truly grasp the peace, joy in suffering, and hope, I must understand how much love He poured into me that day on the cross as God poured wrath upon His Son and the Son who is Christ then fulfilled His purpose, yes for the world, but personally and specifically for me. And knowing that when Christ went home to continue His ministry to us as our Advocate, He sent down the Holy Spirit to ensure me that I will have everything I need to enjoy this love that I was given.

Action: I hope not to seek the things of the world which I can so easily do even in this glorious peace I have been given through this amazing love that is continually poured into me daily but to daily seek out each and every character of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is so very present in my life. I want to be just as present to Him as he is to me every hour of every day. I can only do so by knowing Him more and more each day. I am so very thankful that God loved me so much that He gave His Son to reconcile me back into His presence, and in that presence is where I seek to be daily.