To Die For
To Die For: A Reflection on Romans 5
There are phrases we toss around without much thought—like “it’s to die for.” We say it about cheesecake, sunsets, or a killer outfit. But in Romans 5, Paul uses this idea in a way that stops us in our tracks: Christ actually died for us.
And not because we deserved it. Not because we were good or righteous or worth saving in any worldly sense. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He didn’t wait for us to get our act together. He didn’t save us because we had potential. He gave His life when we were powerless, broken, and lost.
Suffering and Hope
Paul reminds us that following Jesus doesn’t mean avoiding pain. Instead, suffering leads to perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character brings hope (Romans 5:3-5). We don’t like that process. We crave comfort. But the most powerful transformations happen not in ease, but in endurance. The people who radiate grace and wisdom have often walked through deep valleys.
If you’re in a season of struggle, take heart: Hope does not disappoint. God is at work in your suffering, shaping something deeper within you.
Grace for All
The latter half of Romans 5 paints a picture of how Jesus’ sacrifice reversed the curse of sin. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world. Through Jesus, grace and life abound for all.
Did you catch that? For all. Not just for those who “clean up” well, or the ones who have lived an upright life. Christ’s death was for everyone—the broken, the rebellious, the doubters, and even our enemies. That’s what makes the gospel so radical.
It’s easy to believe Jesus died for us. It’s harder to believe He died for the person who hurt us, who votes differently, who stands on the other side of our beliefs. But when we see others through the lens of Jesus’ sacrifice, it changes everything.
Living Like Jesus
Jesus calls us to more than just receiving His grace; He calls us to reflect it. That means loving our enemies, turning the other cheek, going the extra mile (Matthew 5:38-48). This is not the easy, feel-good Christianity we often see on social media. It’s hard. It requires humility. But it’s the way of Jesus.
You Are to Die For
Jesus didn’t just die for humanity in general. He died for you. For your neighbor. For the person you struggle to love.
If you need a reminder of your worth today, let it be this: You are to die for.
And because of Jesus, you are also invited to truly live and love others like He loves us.
Let’s walk in that grace this week