Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
A comment about the text.
Paul didn't make this statement lightly. He knew hardship! Take a look at the list of just some of the painful challenges the apostle endured in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). His "present sufferings"make most of our difficulties seem tame by comparison. However, Paul could say confidently that the glory he would have with Christ would be so incredible, with blessings so fantastic, that his hardships in this life would pale in comparison to that glory. Paul was not only confident that he would share in that glory, but he was confident that it would be ours as well! And how can we be sure? Because the resurrected Jesus, who has ascended to the Father, holds us close to him and our future is bound up in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4)!
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
A comment about the text.
Paul didn't make this statement lightly. He knew hardship! Take a look at the list of just some of the painful challenges the apostle endured in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). His "present sufferings"make most of our difficulties seem tame by comparison. However, Paul could say confidently that the glory he would have with Christ would be so incredible, with blessings so fantastic, that his hardships in this life would pale in comparison to that glory. Paul was not only confident that he would share in that glory, but he was confident that it would be ours as well! And how can we be sure? Because the resurrected Jesus, who has ascended to the Father, holds us close to him and our future is bound up in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4)!
On this day, 18 August 2013, Army 1st Lt. Timothy G. Santos Jr., 29, of Helena, Ala.; assigned to 4th Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas; died from a noncombat illness diagnosed on March 24 in Kuwait City, Kuwait. We must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
On this day, 18 August 2010, Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Collin T. Thomas, 33, of Morehead, Ky.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team; died Aug. 18 during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan. We must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate.
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.
A comment about the text.
John wants us to realize that our love doesn't originate in us. We love others because God has first loved us in Jesus. Oh yes, God has loved us in many other ways, but loving us in Jesus is the ultimate love. Our Heavenly Father taught us how to love by sending Jesus. Our Abba Father has given us security and confidence with his love for us so that we can love others more fully, with greater openness. Our Holy and Almighty God has loved us boldly and sacrificially so that we can more fully understand and define true love. We are not the source of love: God is. We are not the great example of love: Jesus is. We tend to be careful and share our love only with those we feel safe to share it with; God's love, however, is expansive and open to all. We know and share love because God loved us first. And because he loved us, we must love others.
We love because he first loved us.
A comment about the text.
John wants us to realize that our love doesn't originate in us. We love others because God has first loved us in Jesus. Oh yes, God has loved us in many other ways, but loving us in Jesus is the ultimate love. Our Heavenly Father taught us how to love by sending Jesus. Our Abba Father has given us security and confidence with his love for us so that we can love others more fully, with greater openness. Our Holy and Almighty God has loved us boldly and sacrificially so that we can more fully understand and define true love. We are not the source of love: God is. We are not the great example of love: Jesus is. We tend to be careful and share our love only with those we feel safe to share it with; God's love, however, is expansive and open to all. We know and share love because God loved us first. And because he loved us, we must love others.