But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)
Expanded Passage: Romans 5:7-8
Bill had done well for himself, and his family was proud of him. However, they were disappointed when he got engaged to a young lady they did not know. They wanted Bill to settle down with a nice girl from their hometown. Word got out that Bill had paid off his fiancée’s debt. Family members scolded Bill for being naïve. They warned Bill that his fiancée might be a gold digger and that she could run off and leave him now.
Bill informed his family that his generosity was a reflection of his love for his fiancée and that she had not asked him to pay off her bills. Their engagement was Bill’s commitment to take care of his future wife and start their marriage debt free. Bill’s actions were based on love. He explained that even after they married his fiancée would always be free to leave him or divorce him because she had free will, but that their relationship was built on love and trust. No one was fully convinced that Bill was in his right mind, but Bill’s actions were a reflection of his character.
Who can understand why God would send his Son to die for us sinners? God’s actions are about his character and his love for us. God chose us, even when our backs were turned on him. God always lets us choose freely.
Choose God; he paid your debt and loves you.
Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
