Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while 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 his life! (NIV)

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you always fall short of someone’s standards? I’m certain that’s a feeling everyone can relate to, no matter what stage of life you’re in. The thing is, there is some truth to that statement. We ALL fall short of the glory of God. All of us are sinners, we all have our struggles, and we all need a Savior.  

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This is the reason Jesus came into this world. He paid for our mistakes because we cannot help ourselves, and he made those who were dead to sin alive through him. His perfect and gracious sacrifice made us right with God, so that we could spend eternity with him. We are no longer God’s enemies, but his friends and beloved children, only by his endless love and forgiveness.

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Everyone falls short of the standard, but through the love and sacrifice of our Savior, we can be born again in him. Because of Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin and fear, but we are made free, forgiven, and fully restored as children of God.

Jesus didn’t just rescue us from the guilt of our sin, he brought us into a relationship with God. We’ve been reconciled to him, which means we now belong to him. By his sacrifice we are fully restored and fully accepted. Salvation isn’t just a clean slate; it’s a completely new life. We have been saved for peace with Christ, a life that reflects his grace and a mission to share that love with others. We have been saved to walk in freedom, for living as God’s children, and for becoming proof of his kindness and love in a broken world.

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Think about a time when you reconciled with someone after a disagreement. Maybe it was a coworker, family member, or a friend. What did it feel like after the relationship was restored and you worked things out? Was there relief, peace, and joy? In a similar way, our reconciliation with God through Jesus’s sacrifice brings us into a restored, peaceful relationship with him.  We can approach him in confidence, knowing that we are fully accepted and loved for who we are. We can rely on the truth of Romans 5:9-10 and rejoice in the gift of God’s grace by sharing this good news with others. The mistakes you have made will never compare to the grandness and gracious love of your Lord!

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Take a moment to reflect on the grace you’ve received. Try to look for opportunities this week to bless others in the way you speak, act, serve, and forgive. Remember, it’s our job to show Jesus to others as proof of his sacrifice and love. By his blood we are forgiven, saved for a life with God – and a life on mission.

Lord God, we are so grateful that you wanted us to spend eternity with you, and that you cared so deeply for our relationships with you that you sent your one and only Son to die on the cross for us. Thank you for the new life you have given us, and the opportunity we’ve been given to bless others by showing them your kindness and love. By Christ’s blood we are made alive in you, and we are no longer dead to sin. Your grace is far bigger than our shame, so help us to turn away from our guilt to instead live a life of gratitude and love of our Creator, focused on the new mission you have given us. Amen.