God Commends His own Love

In Romans 8:5 we read of his love being 'shed abroad in our heart'. But the reality of God's love is not always felt. There are many reasons for that; one is a failure to pay due attention to what his Word says. Verses 6-11 of this chapter make three statements, two of which show this love, while the third is our response when we recognise it. These are 'Christ died for us' (6-8); 'We shall be saved' (9-10); and 'We rejoice' (11). Christ died for our benefit by enduring the penalty of our sin in our place. He did that when we were unable to help ourselves, and were ungodly enemies. Such love is unique - the best that human love might do is to die for a good person - but God is not man! The Holy Trinity is involved - here it is the Father's love and the Son's that is mainly in view. We are therefore 'justified by his (shed) blood', when we could not justify ourselves - no penalty remains. Therefore we are reconciled. This points to the future, for the day of judgement will have no terror for us - 'saved from wrath'. It is when we believe this (the Holy Spirit bringing it home) that his love is 'shed abroad in our heart' and we are able to rejoice. Our rejoicing is not just in the blessings we receive - it is 'in God'. We who were afraid of him before now treasure him and delight in him. The cross and its message is more than the demonstration of God's love - he commends it to us. He reveals it so that we will admire and worship, receive it in faith, and live for him as a result - see Romans 12:1-2.