“I am convinced that there is nothing in death or life, in the realm of spirits or superhuman powers, in the world as it is or the world as it shall be, in the forces of the universe, in heights or depths— nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

I first heard this scripture in 1989 as a camper at Christikon, a Lutheran Bible Camp in Montana, during the ancient service of Compline (Prayer at the Close of the Day) which is in our Lutheran hymnals. When we do this service at camp, we gather in the old log cabin lodge, light candles like those used at a candlelight Christmas Eve service, and sing and pray our way through this beautiful service. Since that first Compline, I’ve participated in or led Compline hundreds of times at Christikon and with congregations I’ve served. All of the scriptures in that service are very powerful, but I’m particularly drawn to this one from Romans. 

The Apostle Paul’s words remind us that despite what the world might say about you or how you may feel about yourself, YOU are loved by God through Jesus Christ our Lord. AND not only that, there’s absolutely nothing you or anyone or anything else can do to change that love or to take away that love from you. God’s love is a truly unconditional love! Forgot to pray today? God still loves you. Haven’t opened your Bible in years? God still loves you. Committed what you think is an unforgivable sin? God still loves you. Messed up or made the same mistake time and time again? God still loves you. 

Anyone who has been around a Lutheran church for a few years surely has heard that Jesus loves you and that you are forgiven. But in our humanness, the lies of others or the devil can creep in and try to convince us otherwise. However, the truth remains, you and I are loved deeply by our Creator, who demonstrated tremendous, unconditional love for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And the good news is NOTHING, will ever take that love away. 

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your unconditional love and forgiveness. Help us, especially when we are struggling or doubting ourselves or You, to remember that You are bigger than any mistake we might make and that You, and not others, are the source of truth about Your unconditional love for us. Amen.