Romans 5:1-5 (Amplified Bible)
Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). 2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our [a]hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. 3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; 4 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. 5 Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Footnote: Romans 5:2 In the NT the word “hope” expresses a cherished desire along with the confident assurance of obtaining that which is longed for.
Brian, my husband, is feeling under the weather today, so he asked me to write the devotional. Today is not my usual day to write, and it happens to be the busiest day of the week for me at work. So, here is the beginning of Romans 5, but in the Amplified Bible (AMP) translation. The AMP is not something I normally read, but I do like that it gives us more information on what the original Scripture text might mean. Romans 5 has so much to say to us as Believers, and why we have Peace in His Promises. God's love is abundant, even during our hardships.
