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

This one verse somehow holds the past and the present together.

Christ died (a past event), while we were still sinners (our condition at the time), and God shows His love (right now).

Romans 5:8 tells us that the cross isn’t just a moment in history; it’s a present, ongoing display of God’s love. The event is finished, but its power is not stuck 2,000 years ago. Christ died in the past, once for all, but that same love is shown to us every time we look to Jesus today. 

To me, the most shocking part of this verse is: “while we were still sinners.” 

Paul is telling us (believers) that God didn’t wait for you to get your life together. He didn’t die for the future, cleaned-up, righteous version of you. He died for you in your sin. In your mess. In your weakness. He fully knew your sin and still chose to pay it in full. That’s what makes His love so shocking.

He died for the “you” sharing gossip that could ruin your friend’s reputation, scrolling through images you never should be looking at, turning your back on that person in need, and He died for the “you” (fill in the blank).

Simply put: Jesus died for the worst of you so that you could become the best version of yourself through life in Him. He loves you so that you could love others. He died for you, so you, too, could lay down your life sacrificially for others. 

Love each other, because Christ first loved you. 

Die to yourself, because Christ died for you. 

Live for Christ, because He lives.