Scripture: Roman 1:7
To those in Rome who are dearly loved by God and called to be God’s people.
Thought for the Day: As part of Paul’s greeting to the Christians in Rome, he speaks of those loved by God and called by God. Those two aspects of the Christian faith are too often separated or even severed. Many people like to worship and give thanks for a God who loves them, but in all honesty, they are not looking for a God who will call them. Now let me add that I do not believe God’s love is tied to our willing acceptance of the calling. God’s love revealed in Jesus is unconditional, yet the very nature of such love is powerful and demanding. As a professor of mine often said, “And so what?” When you make a dramatic theological statement like, “God loves us,” there should be someone sitting close by who asks, “And so what? What does that really mean to you?” God loves and calls us to live a life of love. That might be oversimplifying the idea, or maybe not.
Prayer: Thank you, O God of all people, for the love you share and the love through which you call us to be people of love. In the name of your gift of love, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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