God’s Never-Changing Love
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
1 By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, we have peace with God. 2 Christ has also introduced us to God's gift of undeserved grace on which we now take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God. 3 But that's not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. 4 And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope 5 that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:1-5
Memory Verse
Romans 5:4-5
4 And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope 5 that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Early one morning, Maya peered out of her bedroom window. “Mama!” she cried, “My sunflowers! They’re ruined!” Maya’s once-beautiful blooms hung on bent stalks, their fading yellow faces drooping toward the ground.
“Oh, Maya,” said her mother. “I’m sorry. The winter frost arrived early.”
Maya pressed her nose against the cold glass. She would miss her flowers. And she didn’t like change.
Do you ever feel like Maya? Maybe you don’t like it when your favorite season slips away, or perhaps you worry when a school year with a beloved teacher ends. Maybe you don’t enjoy all the responsibilities that come with growing up. Sometimes, circumstances feel unsettling or disappointing.
Thousands of years ago, God’s servant Paul traveled the ancient world, teaching people about Jesus’ love for all people. As he traveled from place to place, Paul experienced different cultures and met new people. Sometimes, he had a safe shelter and good food to eat. Other times, he found himself in prison, suffering at the hands of his enemies, the Romans. Yet Paul wrote letter after letter to fellow Jesus-followers, reminding them of God’s never-changing love.
In the book of Romans, Paul teaches that experiencing difficulties can lead to strength and hope.
How does that work?
Paul says God sent his Holy Spirit to surround us with a love that never changes and never leaves us. We can trust that love completely, even when things around us change in ways we struggle to understand. Thank you, Lord, that your love never changes!
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending your Son Jesus and for giving us the presence of your Holy Spirit. No matter what happens, we find our hope and strength in you! Amen.Related Resources
Sara Korber-DeWeerd
Sara Korber-DeWeerd is a freelance writer, teacher, and Down syndrome advocate. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband Mark and their three children, plus one dog and seven chickens. When not teaching or writing, Sara enjoys exploring the mountains, lakes, and rocky coastlines of New England with her active family (though they usually leave the chickens at home).