While We Were Still Sinners

Romans 5:6-11 (ESV) For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Explanation: What powerful Scripture we are given today. “We were still weak.” We ARE still weak today, but His grace changes everything about our story. He chose just the right time to die for us. In our sin, darkness, and rebellion, Jesus chose to die to give us a chance to live. His amazing love for us set a plan in motion to save us from death and eternal separation from God. Every day, we make mistakes. We fail to meet a standard worthy of grace and mercy. We are sinners. Day after day, we ask God to forgive us for our failures and shortcomings, and day after day, He extends His mercy with open arms and forgives us. His grace knows no bounds, and because of that, we get to experience life. The blood of Jesus blankets the sins and shortcomings of our humanity, and allows us to be seen as “right” in the eyes of God. As we reflect on this extravagant grace we’ve been given, did we do anything to earn it? Did we do anything to deserve it? The answer is simple—no. Jesus did it all so we didn’t have to. He gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could experience ultimate grace through Jesus. What extravagant grace He continues to show us day after day. Application: 1. The Greek word for grace is charis, which means “favor.” One popular commentary defines grace as the “act of endowing unmerited favor.” Think about God giving you unmerited, undeserved favor, and what that means to you today. 2. Our response to God’s grace is to continue the good work He has given to us—to make disciples out of others. As you look at your calendar for the upcoming days, think of opportunities you may have to grant grace to others you will interact with. What might change about your “normal” exchange with them? How can you help them see the impact of God’s grace on your life? Prayer Starter: Today in your prayer time, take the following steps to respond to God’s grace in your life: ​​1. Acknowledge that you NEED His grace. ​​2. Accept His grace and allow it to free you from your past sins. ​3. Ask Him how you can share His grace with others you encounter. Devo Plus: In the Old Testament, there are many examples of how God used imperfect people to accomplish His purpose. Read the story of Rahab in Joshua 2, to see how God’s grace toward Rahab was used for His good.