Scripture
Romans 5:1-11 (NIV)
 
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
 
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man some might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us!
 
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him. For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through is life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
 

Meditation
The Gift of Peace - Roberta Jones
 
This chapter of Paul's Letter to the Romans begins on a wonderful note of peace. We are now at peace with God. What a perfect passage for us to consider during this season of Lent. The mood changes as we delve more deeply into what that means. To be now at peace with God presumes that there was a time when we were not! We find it hard to admit to ourselves that we were once God's enemy. We were "ungodly." We rejected the relationship for which God had created us. We turned our back and went our own way. God sent Christ to bring us back.
 
Considering this passage, I was reminded of a game we used to play as children. In the game, someone would call out, "Who goes there? Friend or Foe?" Paul is telling us that because Jesus died for us, our relationship with God is restored. Our answer is no longer "Foe." Now we are "Friend!" Christ's sacrificial gift of life has brought us back to God and restored our relationship.
 
By receiving this wonderful gift of grace, our faith fills us with hope, love and joy. We are reconciled. We are at peace with God.
Reflection
Verse 8 is so special: Paul says, "God proves his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Repeat this verse slowly. Let it sink into your soul. Then personalize it: "God proves his love for me in this: While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me!" How awesome! This is the very heart of our peace with God.
Prayer
Gracious God, with the death of your Son on the cross, you gave us the gift of peace. Through Christ, your love has brought us back into relationship with you. Your Word has given us new life. And your grace has allowed us to stand forgiven, free, and your friend. Thank you. Amen.

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