I believe that one of the most powerful portions of scripture is found in Romans 8: 35-39.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
Romans 8:35-39 ESV
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Wow! What an assurance. What a love. As a believer, you are forever in God’s love. There is nothing you can do to make God stop loving you. But before you run with this, let’s learn a little more about God’s love.
What the enemy doesn’t want you to know is that you are loved by God. The best way to make a servant rebel against his master is to make him feel unloved, cheated, or unwanted. But like every other scheme of the enemy, we know this is a lie. Jeremiah 31:3 tells us in God’s words that he has loved us with an everlasting love.
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Jer. 31: 3 NIV
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
Let’s take a recap of the story of the prodigal son (Lk. 15: 11-32). The son had rebelled against his father for whatever reason and went on his way. Soon, he realized that he made a big mistake and suffered for it. But the moment he remembered he had a loving father, an end came to his suffering (vs. 18-20). And with open arms and great joy, his father welcomed him back home.
Many of us are suffering in ways we shouldn’t. We are hurting emotionally and even physically because we have forgotten that we have a Father who loves us dearly…and everlastingly.
In your error, in your trial, God still loves you. Don’t let yourself be cast down for too long. Recollect how much your Father loves you, and like the prodigal son, return.
Love in persecution
The revelation of this scripture came to the author at a time when he had been through so much. He spoke from experience because he realized that through it all, the tribulations and trials, highs and lows, he was carried by God’s love. (Rom. 8: 38)
The Apostles were so convinced and so in touch with the knowledge that God’s love remains forever. This enabled them to withstand persecution and whatever they had to suffer for Christ.
Essentially, the knowledge of God’s love makes us more faithful Christians. It will do us good to have it etched on our minds that even in our worst of times and in the worst of situations, we are carried by God’s love. We have an overwhelming victory through Him who loves us. (Rom. 8:37)
What can separate us from God’s love?
Nothing (vs 38 NLT). The scripture is clear on this. Irrespective of our errors, excesses, faults, and failures, of all that happens to and around us, God’s love remains unwavering. His love remains unchanging. It is wrong to believe that part of God’s nature depends on us. Love is God’s nature (1 Jn. 4:8). It would be out of nature for Him to stop loving us, and a misrepresentation of who He is, to say His love is only limited to some people.
We do not boast of God’s love only when things are rosy. We do not limit his love to good experiences alone. At all times, we must remember that God’s word is always true. And according to His word, nothing can separate us from His love. Even when we are being disciplined or when we are chastised by Him, He does that to us in His love (Heb. 12:6). Clinging on to this knowledge helps us to trust God even more.
Even if you’re a sinner or unbeliever, God’s love remains available to you. You are not far too gone. God says you’re worth dying for. The scripture tells us that even while we were sinners, Jesus Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). God loved us, even in our state of sin so He sent Jesus to save us. He did so that we may be changed from that sinful state to a holy and righteous one. He did so that we may be with Him forever.
You’re worth dying for
John 3:16
~Love, God
Therefore, the only response to this love is to accept it. Not doing so would mean you do not need it. Although this does nothing to diminish His sacrifice of love, we must however remember that for every choice we make, there is always a result. The end result of rejecting this love is eternal separation from the One who gives it (2 Thess. 1:8-9).
Nothing can separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus (vs. 39). The best way to enjoy God’s love is to be in Christ.
If you would like to accept His love say this prayer: Dear Jesus, I thank you for loving so much that you died for me. Today, I accept your love and reckon that I am forever in your love. Amen.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for always loving me. Help me to love you too.
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