God’s Love Has Been Poured Into Our Hearts

This meditation is based on a passage for June 24, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 5:1-11

Reflection and Question: Paul is adamant that the Holy Spirit is the force that places God’s love in our hearts. In this passage he makes two startling points about God’s grace. First, he outlines the process we experience that ends in hope: suffering, endurance, character-building and finally, hope. Because of God’s love, hope does not disappoint. Second, Jesus’ death reconciles us to God. For GLBT Christians, who are reconciled to God through Jesus even when they are not welcomed by society or the church, suffering does indeed lead to hope because of God’s love. When has God’s love poured into your heart?

Prayer: Blessed Spirit of the living God, give us peace through Jesus Christ who dies for us while we were still sinners. May our suffering bring endurance, then character and then hope because Your love can never disappoint us. Reconcile us to You. Amen.