Enemy, or Just Off Track?

Mark: Okay, the word 'enemy' stings a little. I'm not out here fighting God. So was I really his enemy, or just a bit off track?

Sarah: Honestly, I've wondered the same thing. Paul uses that exact word in Romans 5, and it's worth seeing where he's going with it. Listen to this.

Scripture: For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.

Mark: Hm. It's still a heavy word. I never felt like I'd done anything that bad.

Sarah: I hear that. Paul says Christ died for the ungodly, and that being justified by his blood, we will be saved from God's wrath through him. Paul's language is serious, and so is the rescue he describes.

Mark: But why would anyone do that for people who were against him? I'm not sure I'd do that for my closest friend.

Sarah: Paul says one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps someone would dare to for a righteous person. Yet God showed his love in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

Mark: So Christ died for us while we were still sinners?

Sarah: That's how I read it. Paul says all have sinned, me too. All I've got is that he showed his love while we were still sinners, and I want you there with me.

Mark: That's a lot to take in. What do I actually do with it? I don't want to just nod and walk away.

Sarah: Start small. Tell God honestly where you are, even just 'I want to know you.' That's my suggestion, not Paul's. Paul says we rejoice in God through Jesus, through whom we've received reconciliation.

Sarah: Whether you feel a little off track or a long way off, Paul says Christ died for us while we were still sinners. I love you. Follow along if you'd like to keep asking these questions together.