Romans 5:8, New King James Version

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

“But God.” These two words indicate a great turnaround! They also show us that God has power that man does not have. Just as Jesus told His disciples, “…With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV) What does that mean for us? “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) His way, not our way!

Without knowing Christ and acknowledging His word the human approach toward those who have wronged us is “an eye for an eye” and a “tooth for a tooth.” Sometimes we may deal with someone’s disagreement in the very same way. Bitterness, anger, aggrieved, vengeful… “But God”, He sees differently, and He handles things differently. He demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, while disobeying Him, unholy and fallen short of His holiness, He died for us. He did not punish or condemn, but came to save.

Listen carefully: Christ died for us, so that we may live! (John 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:15-21)

When His disciples James and John saw others rejecting Jesus, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them…” Jesus didn’t respond by saying amen, nor did He stand in His righteousness to judge. How did He react? “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them…’” (Luke 9:55-56, NIV) “But He”, Jesus, “who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.” (Philippians 2:6, NIV)

Should we learn from Jesus and avoid making the same mistake as James and John did? Should we make the decision to follow His way, not our way?

Jesus does not fix those who oppose Him or disagree with Him by controlling their choice or action, but He demonstrates (He treats and reacts) love in all circumstances.

“… ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing’...” (Luke 23:34, NLT)

May we follow the example of Jesus, our Lord, and Savior.