by Kala Loptien

All in One

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link. 

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

Late tomorrow evening, we will celebrate the close of another year and the beginning of a brand new one. If you’re like me, you’ve spent some time reflecting. I’ve been “moved” lately by a simple phrase (used in the adoption world) that I think applies to a lot of life: “both, and.”

In so many scenarios, we experience more than one emotion. At times we undergo a wide range of them. We were created with complex thoughts and feelings. Our lives here on earth are complicated. Evil exists, causing sin, hurt, grief and loss. But though this is a reality for us each day, followers of Jesus also live with hope. We consider it joy to endure hardships. We forgive when we are hurt. We continue to love our neighbors and also feel the brokenness of the world. Often, both joy and sorrow exist in the same space.

We understand these dynamics (to a certain degree) thanks to our loving, merciful, compassionate Heavenly Father. He loved us first. While we were sinners… Consider that for a moment as we continue adoring our Lord and Savior. He became sin who knew no sin. We are sinners… always will be. And yet, we are made righteous because of Christ. When Jesus came to the world, He was both fully man and fully God. For this reason, He was able to feel complicated emotions and experience heartache. He understands our grief, our suffering and our struggles. He spent His life in the trenches, teaching others what true ministry looks like. He knew what was ahead, and yet continued to lead, preach and heal.

The year we are leaving behind might be one giant melting pot of emotions. That’s the reality of our condition and our world. We don’t know what the future holds. But, here’s the best news we could ever know: we have hope, we have joy and we have love because of Jesus. Those things remain…no matter what. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado