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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. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:1-11)
A lot happens to us when we say yes to Jesus. Theologically, we call it Justification by Faith. Practically, we call it being saved. We entered into a new, right relationship with God through Jesus and the first byproduct of that is peace. This peace comes from God and it is difficult to describe, but wonderful to enjoy. All around us people may be freaking out or panicking, but those with peace, remain calm and sure that God is in control and that God will see us through. The second thing we gain is grace. Another difficult to explain, but great to enjoy as well. Grace is God's free flow of love into our lives, though we know we don't deserve it, but God is like that, sharing unconditional love to us. And both of these help us even boast in our suffering, that is to say, while others may whine about what they are going through, the Christian says, "This is only leading to greater things!" Look at the flow chart that Paul provides, and this from his own personal life experiences: Suffering leads to our having endurance. Endurance leads to our having character. Character gives us hope. Hope does not disappoint because, and hear this: God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. All this happened while we were still weak, right at that time, Christ died for the ungodly. God proved His love for us "in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." Justified, made acceptable before God, because of Jesus' blood poured out for us at the cross; this led to our salvation - the being led away from God's wrath into God's loving embrace. No longer enemies of God, but now reconciled people before God.
If you have said Yes to Jesus, you have all of the above things in your life. You stand right before God. You can lead a life that gives glory and honor to God. Your heart is full of love, so share it willingly. Make you face shine, smile like never before, and look around to the needs that you can meet and meet them in the name of the Lord. We are called to make and be a difference in the lives of those who have not yet met the Lord. Care for others. Help one another. Show love to those who do not yet know the love of God. This may bless others in ways you did not dream possible.
If you have not yet said yes to God, this could be the right time.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for this day and its blessings. Thank You for Jesus to Whom we have said Yes, come into my heart, and be Lord and Savior. I confess I am a sinner and ask forgiveness of my sins; remove them and cast them in the deepest part of the sea. And let me live a life that gives You honor and glory. This I pray in Christ Jesus' powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Here is a video link to yesterday's Gospel message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPQpahLBV2c&t=5s
