“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

What does it mean when someone says that God loves you?

Paul was zealous for God. He was a Pharisee of the Pharisees (this means he was very religious!). Paul knew God’s Word – better than most people. He went to the Temple (church to us today) all of the time. In addition, when there was a new Way (a Way that Paul considered contrary to his religion) in town, he fought against it. Read what Paul wrote, “13. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14. And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers” (Galatians 1:13-14). He not only persecuted the church of God, he also imprisoned those who believed in Jesus.

Paul (beforehand known as Saul) went on a special trip to find more of those who believed in Jesus to persecute them. While he was traveling to the city of Damascus, he met Jesus for himself. He found out just how much God loved him. See how he understood what Jesus did for him: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God showed Paul how much He loved him by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for Paul, a sinner. That changed Paul’s life! He no longer went about persecuting those who gave their hearts and lives to Jesus, he became a Believer in Jesus. Not only that, but he was one of the most well known preachers in the New Testament! He completely changed. He later wrote: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Paul had become a new creature. He understood that the old things he once was had passed away. He was a new man living a new life.

Paul penned the book of Romans for us to read. Within that book, one cannot help but recognize the sinfulness of people, the penalty of death for each person because of that sin, and the need of the Saviour, Jesus (the only One who can take away that penalty of sin). Paul explained the reason Jesus came into this world. He wanted all to understand that God gave His Son, because He loves you!

With that thought in mind, see the following: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God is waiting for you to come to repentance and know His Son, Jesus.

When should you answer His call? “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Today is that day. Do not wait! 

Read the following message Paul preached to those who placed their faith and trust in Jesus: “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6: 22).

Now do you recognize just how much God loves you?