Romans 5:1-5 (NRSV)
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Chapter 5Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Verse 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. Verse 3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, Verse 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, Verse 5and 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.
Devotion
“All you need is love,” the Beatles sang, “Love is all you need.” A sweet sentiment, to be sure, but after reading this text I think a better refrain might be, “All you need is hope.”
Think about it: It is hope we need
…when sitting by a loved one as they take their last breaths
…when facing the breakdown of a marriage
…when heading into a challenging season at work
…when enduring a long treatment process for cancer or addiction
…when facing the loss of a job or financial instability
As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, love never fails; but in times of trial and anxiety, when the days are darkest, when it feels as though things will never turn around, it is not love that pushes us forward, it’s hope. Hope that comes from trusting that the Lord will deliver us and give us strength. Hope that comes from the belief that God will use all things for good for those who love God. Hope in life eternal with Jesus Christ. That hope is all you need.
Prayer
Lord, use our challenges and struggles to draw us closer to you, and give us a future with hope. Amen.