God Loves First

Scott Beyer
07/14/23 - Bulletin

“But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

A grudge is an easy thing to hold on to.  Anyone can list the times they have been treated unfairly or life has been unjust.  When someone betrays trust, behaves selfishly, or wounds us thoughtlessly, the most reasonable thing to do is to take note of their behavior and protect yourself from future harm by marking them off in your mind.

But God doesn’t do that – He doesn’t hold anger in His heart forever.  He delights in love.  He delights in second chances and pardoning sin and passing over our rebellion.  Can any of us say the same?  Can you imagine offering the same unchanging love to your enemies as you do to your friends?  He does.

And I’m so glad because before I was His friend – I was His enemy.

“Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession?  He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in unchanging love.” (Micah 7:18)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 5:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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