Romans 5:6-11

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die.” vss. 6-7

In most of the places where followers of Jesus gather for worship there will be a cross in a prominent position near the front of the church, sometimes in a crucifix form, bearing the body of Jesus, and often empty, a reminder that Jesus has risen from the dead. Always the cross is intended to be a symbol of the great love that God has for humanity.

And this is no narrow love, one that is directed only toward righteous persons, the folks who have their ducks in a row and who are known for their goodness. Paul tells us that this is an inclusive love, one that is directed particularly toward the ungodly. It’s a love that is demonstrated by the extended arms of Jesus on the cross, arms that are reaching out to embrace all of humanity. 

Paul reminds us how rare this kind of love is. Most of us care little for the ungodly and wouldn’t even think about sacrificing our own lives to save theirs. But the love of Christ is different, so different that it’s hard for us to even grasp. And when it finally hits us that this is intended to be a model for our own loving, it brings us to our knees. Yet that’s what he says,“As I have loved you, so you are to love one another.” 

Thought for the Day:Who would I die for?