Romans 5:5 – Verse of the Day 6/29/13

Romans5-5
 
This verse concludes Paul’s reflection on nature of suffering and the benefits of perseverance (Romans 5:3-5). Paul grounds these reflections on the hope that we have through faith in Christ (Romans 5:1-2). Because our hope in Christ is secure, we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope (5:4). In other words, when we begin from a position of genuine hope in Christ, our sufferings can only further strengthen that hope and help us to develop maturity in our relationship with our heavenly Father.

Because Jesus’ work on the cross is finished, our hope is secure. Jesus defeated death by rising from the dead. Whatever sin and suffering remains in the world can only now work for the ultimate good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). While we might not understand in this life how that can be true, we nonetheless believe it to be so. As you pray, ask God for the ability to believe His promises in the midst of suffering, and to allow difficult circumstances to strengthen the hope that is already ours in Christ.

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