Our scripture this morning is Romans 5:3-5.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Paul was trained as a Pharisee, so he often writes in a way that is complex. He leads us to his point like a lawyer building a case. This passage is not one of those that rolls off your tongue easily but it is important to our understanding of how God uses our experiences to teach us.
These words can also strengthen us when we encounter trouble, knowing that God can use even our difficulty to help us learn. The important part is that He is with us always, no matter what we face. God sent the Holy Spirit to guide us, that we might never be alone.
Paul sums it up saying “He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love”, a reminder that God is love (1 John 4:8). God wants this love to be first and foremost in our hearts, the key to our relationship with Him and each other. This is “our confident hope of salvation” as Paul puts it, knowing God’s love and going to share it with the world.
Gracious God, You have given us everything, but most importantly our savior, Jesus Christ. May we go in Your name to tell everyone what You have done for us. Amen.
