Meditation

Read Romans 8:31-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?—Romans 8:35 (NIV)

I was eager to speak with my family in Mexico by phone. I am currently in prison and have limited phone privileges. My wife was not available at the time of the call, but I talked with my parents, then my son, and finally my daughter.

As I was talking to her, I detected something different in her tone of voice. Suddenly she started to cry and struggled to tell me that the fish I had given her for her birthday had died. I tried to console her and explain why that might have happened, but she didn’t want to talk anymore. She simply said, “Bye, Daddy. God take care of you.”

After the call, I returned to my cell. I was overcome with sadness because I love my daughter, and it broke my heart to hear her cry. As I started to read my Bible, I realized how fragile we all are. But at the same time, I am ever grateful for the promise referenced in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ. We know God will always care for use—God’s unconditional love is our bond and our promise.

Prayer: Merciful God, when we cry out to you, reassure us of your promise that nothing will separate us from your incredible love. Amen.

Thought for the day: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

Camacho De La Luz Armando (Florida)