Read: Romans 8:35-39
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (v. 37)
On social media, I’ve observed a common trend. When someone disagrees with a post or headline on a news story, the comments quickly devolve into aggression and insults. They want to be winners, fighters, conquerors.
The apostle Paul insists that if we belong to Jesus Christ, we don’t need to be conquerors. We are already more than conquerors, because every enemy has already been conquered. Paul lists everything we fear: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword (v. 35). He names forces that are beyond our control: death, life, angels, rulers, things present, and things to come (vv. 38-39). But none of these can truly threaten us because nothing “in all creation” can separate us from God’s love.
Responding to perceived threats with aggression divides us from others, and from being the people God calls us to be. The only thing that can move us out of our self-centered safety is the reminder that God did the same for us. Jesus Christ left the safety of his home in heaven to embrace his natural enemies with God’s love. He gave up his life at the cross to defeat the “last enemy”—death (1 Cor. 15:26). There’s truly no threat in this world greater than the love of God. And that means nothing need stand between you and me, between our neighbors, strangers, and even enemies. Armed with God’s love, we are more than conquerors. —Ben Van Arragon
As you pray, thank God for his love and offer yours in return.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon is the Minister of Worship and Leadership at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
