Read: Romans 8:31–39
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Romans 8:35
Paul eloquently asserted that there is no external power on earth that can severe us from God’s love as revealed to us through Jesus Christ. Paul believed that nothing in life or death, not the powers and principalities of the world or physical distance or depth can drive a wedge between ourselves and the God who has loved us since before we were born.
The one point of separation that Paul does not mention in his litany of obstacles is ourselves. It may be true that no external force can get in the way of God’s love for us, but God has allowed us the freedom to ignore or refuse that divine love. We can get in the way. We can separate ourselves from God. We can drive a wedge into that relationship. God’s love abounds, but we always have the ability to deflect it.
Do you get in the way of God’s love for you?
Lord, You have given me the power and freedom to reject or accept Your love. I assume that is because love that is coerced is not real. That means the most significant barrier to our relationship is my unwillingness to receive You and Your love into my life. I don’t want to refuse . . . but perhaps I just don’t know how to accept what You offer. Help me to receive Your love so that I can live in it and share it with others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.