"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

The world is passing away, wars and rumors of wars are all over, evil is rising, rulers are abusing their power, children are starving, and there is so much uncertainty about tomorrow. Maybe now more than ever, it is easy to think that any one of these has separated us from the love of God. Certainly, all of them would, right? “By no means,” Paul would say.

This passage addresses not only the evil that seeks to separate us but also the good. Neither the darkness of death nor the comforts or pleasures of life, neither the demons that prowl the earth nor the angels in the heavens, neither the fears about today nor the hopes or worries about tomorrow, neither the depths of poverty and shame nor the heights of prosperity and flourishing, nor anything else in all creation—good or evil—can separate us from His love. These are massive claims that Paul makes, encompassing the things we constantly battle against. Every one of us has experienced some of these things that cause us to question. It might be the comforts of the West, the death of a loved one, a dark storm, or worries about tomorrow. Yet, Scripture tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ and that we will never be abandoned. How can this be true? …Jesus.

Jesus overcame all that tries to separate us. He conquered death by rising again and has given us true life. (Acts 2:24) He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) He knows the plans for our future, and all powers shake in fear at the mention of His name. He is the King of kings. (Jeremiah 29:11) He has descended to the lowest places and ascended to the highest heavens. (Ephesians 4:10) He created all things, and through Him, all things are held together. (Colossians 1:16) Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God revealed through Jesus. He was tempted as we are, yet He overcame without sin. He is the Great Overcomer. He conquers evil with greater love and converts persecutors with patience.

Scripture tells us that no one can separate what God has joined together. This is often heard at wedding ceremonies, a powerful statement and promise as vows are made between spouses. Likewise, this passage reminds us of how much God works to hold together Himself and His bride, the church. Even through fear, suffering, and trials, we don’t need to fear or feel alone, for they do not mean we have been abandoned. In the face of all adversity, victory is already won through Christ Jesus. Even death itself holds no dominion over our lives. Nothing can take the Church—His bride—from Jesus. God is for us; nothing can separate us or stand against us.