Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 20
Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love
By: Lia Girard
Bible Reading:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39, NIV
If you’ve ever felt unloved or abandoned by anyone here on earth, it can be quite discouraging how quickly it can have you believing that maybe even God rejects you. When people are mean or hurtful, or broken relationships leave you feeling as though you don’t belong anywhere, you might assume that God is also far removed.
Or maybe, there’s a general sense of paranoia that the whole world is turning wicked and God will surely abandon it. This worry can tempt you to distance your heart and wallow in dread.
It’s also possible that when you or I have hurt someone else, or hurt ourselves, we can be afraid to bring our mistakes to God for fear of losing his love.
For times like these, or any time you’re battling loneliness, fear, guilt, or shame, Romans 8:38-39 is a balm of truth.
This compassionate and eye-opening portion of the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome serves as a promise. Paul wants all believers to know that no life event, timing, distance, external force, spiritual powers, or even death can tear you out of God’s loving care. His embrace is unshakable and eternal.
As an aside, I don’t believe Paul intends these verses as a “pass” to allow evil or sin free rein. He isn’t simply stating, “God stays no matter what you do, so do whatever you want.” He is, however, painting an amazing portrait of an ever-present love, vast enough to send his only son to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). And he says he is “convinced” of it—because he experienced God’s radical and transformative mercy firsthand.
The truth is: God never rejects you. Even when you inevitably sin, he is always inviting you to run to Him with a repentant heart and know that he will receive and forgive you. He offers constant, unchanging love that doesn’t waver.
This “love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” also doesn’t require impossible perfection, but rather delights in the way you’re made. You don’t have to perform for God or keep earning his love. He knows and sees everything about you, and loves you anyway.
Paul also includes “neither the present nor the future” in his list of things you may fear will separate you from God. This means you can trust God to be with you today, and every tomorrow. No matter what is happening now, or what transpires in your future financial status, family plans, health, or anything you hold dear, God’s love for you is secure.
You can also take comfort in knowing that absolutely no evil power in this world is greater than God. In fact, 1 John 4:4 reminds you: “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Furthermore, John 16:33 explains that Christ has already overcome the world.
So if you’re ever feeling unlovable, unworthy, or lonely, and are wondering if God still loves you, hold on to Romans 8:38-39. God’s love isn’t based on your fallibility or your accomplishments. It’s a gift of His grace that’s unstoppable because you are in Christ. As a believer, God has grafted you into the vine of Christ, so you can branch out confidently by the power of his unbreakable love.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The next time you start feeling like God only loves you when you’re perfect, try recalling a time when God pulled you through any disaster. Remember, as you look back, a sign from God that showed you that he was holding and loving you. As you focus on his steady love, you can offer a prayer of thanks and gratitude for a God that’s bigger, more powerful, and more loving than “anything else in all creation.”
Further Reading:
Psalm 136:26
Jeremiah 31:3
Zephaniah 3:17
John 3:16
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Lidiia Moor
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Each week, host Rachael Adams sits down with inspiring women who are making a difference right where they are. Through honest conversations, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories, you'll be reminded that your everyday acts of love—no matter how small—matter deeply to God.
You were created to live a life of impact.
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