Devotional: The Fertile Soil of God's Love

December 16th, 2024
by Paul Boekell

Romans 8:31–39 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 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. (ESV)

Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love. This love is the fertile soil in which our joy grows. Reflect on times when you've felt distant from God. Now, consider the truth that His love never wavers, even in those moments. How does this change your view of difficult circumstances? Today, intentionally ground yourself in God's love. When faced with challenges, repeat to yourself, "Nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus."