Romans 5:8 (NLT) But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 (ESV) but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. INTRODUCTION Theres an old riddle that says: What direction did the polar bear look when he turned his head to the right? To the left? And when he looked straight ahead? The answer in each case is south. He was standing on the North Pole. Its something like this with a term we find in Romans 5:1"11. What does a Christian see if he looks back? If he looks ahead? If he looks around? Reconciliation! Looking back, we realize that the death of Jesus has changed our condition and our heart. We have been reconciled to God, and He has transformed us from enemy to friend (v. 10). Looking ahead we see an endless future in which Christ stands by our side, till ultimately we stand by His throughout eternity (v. 9). Looking around us, we find that we experience joy in serving Jesus. We have a now experience of reconciliation as well. Even the word saved is like this. Look back: you have been saved. Look ahead: you will be saved. Look around: you are being saved. Jesus is even now at work within to give you the power to live a holy life. Our past, our present, and our future are all transformed because of Him. Wherever we look, everything is bright and new, and completely different, because of Jesus Christ, Gods Son. [The 365-Day Devotional Commentary re Rom. 5:1"11] COMMENTARY PEARL My stint as a public high school teacher was positive in some respects but deeply disillusioning overall. As a longtime work-at-home mom who lived in something of a spiritual bubble, being knee-deep in a broad cross section of humanity was eye-opening. Many days, I'd leave school in tears or enraged over the impact of my students' dysfunctional homes and lack of moral training. It troubled me to see exhausted, underappreciated teachers and to be one myself. I struggled with the futility of my efforts to make a difference. How could me being in the classroom make things better? I lamented my plight to a friend. She listened with empathy. "Now you know how God felt," she whispered. "That's why He sent Jesus." Our perfect God, full of mercy, loving kindness, and righteousness, must look on us with outrage and sadness, seeing how we humans harm each other and ourselves. He sees we are but dust and provides a remedy, Jesus, to save us from ourselves and to love us as we are. Early in my high school teaching adventure, I decided to be an ambassador for love on behalf of the One who especially loved ruffians and wretches like me. Though I couldn't say His name in school, I could pray to see with Jesus's eyes and graciously share His redemptive love. Through Jesus, I have no doubt that me being in the classroom made a difference. Isabella Campolattaro Faith Step: Are you outraged or hurt by something you've witnessed? Ask Jesus for the grace to see with His eyes and share His love. Make it a point to pray for all teachers and students in the classroom this schoolyear. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY Romans 5:8 - The Amazing Unconditional Love of God for Relationship. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210823-0933.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/