Tuesday, June 10, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Romans 5:1–5

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (NRSV)

Reflection

For me, this is an I’m so grateful for Jesus Christ text. It says that Jesus Christ has given us access to God allowing us to receive God’s grace — God’s gift of forgiveness, salvation, and relationship — a grace we didn’t earn. In fact, it cannot be earned. God’s gift of grace is given to us through faith in Christ.

As a result of Christ’s sacrifice of his life in payment for our sins, we are now in relationship with God. Our sins are forgiven, and we can take any of our concerns straight to God — God will hear us! As believers, we are in a relationship with Almighty God! How cool is that? We are also now new people, and in glory and honor to God we should obey Jesus’ commands to love God, love all people, do good, and to care about social justice (Matthew 25:31–46). Well, I am working on it.

Another point in the text is that human life will include some degree of suffering — Jesus’ did, even though he was both human and divine. I once knew an older guy who irritated me every now and then. If I said to him, “Why me?!?” He’d say, “Well, why not you?” Humph! Well, as I have gotten older, I get it. We all experience trials and tribulations at points in our lives. The text suggests that our trials build character, perseverance, and hope — especially hope, I think. Over the years, I have found this true in my career, my family, and in other areas of my life. God is in control, and as the saying goes, God knows just how much we can bear.

Prayer

Holy God, thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ, who has brought us into relationship with you. Thank you for your forgiving grace and for hearing our concerns. We know our faith provides us perseverance and hope — always. Amen.

Written by Ken Gaines, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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