12/24/2025
Day 25: December 24
Amy Graham
"The Ultimate Proof of Love"
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
The book of Romans is full of rich truth. It is often considered Paul’s masterpiece that explains the depth of God’s love. How can we know that God loves us? Paul answers this by pointing to Jesus who laid down his life for us. God didn’t say I’ll die for you once you earn it. We weren’t worthy of God’s sacrifice for us. While we were sinners, while we were lost and hopeless, Jesus died for us. Paul makes it clear; our sin doesn’t deter God’s love. Rather, it highlights our desperate need for a Savior.
I grew up in church hearing Romans 5:8 repeatedly. I love this verse. I am completely overwhelmed by God’s grace when I read it, but it took on new significance after December 2012.
On December 14, 2012, a mass shooting occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I am sure we all remember it. 20 children died. I sat in church the Sunday after the shooting, still numb from the news. As Pastor Rich spoke about the horrible events, I distinctly remember tears flowing down Wayne Warner’s cheeks. I had never seen Wayne cry before. All of our hearts were hurting. Pastor Rich read Romans 5:8. He then asked us to raise our hand if we would die for the school shooter, Adam Lanza. Not a single hand went up. I would die for my family, my close friends…but not someone who walks into an elementary school with a gun. Romans 5:8 carried a ton more weight after that day. Sin is sin…and we are all sinners. Jesus's sacrifice on the cross was for everyone. Christ's death was an act of love to redeem all people, regardless of their past mistakes or current state.
The cross is the ultimate proof of love. We do not have to take God's Word alone that He loves us. We can look at the evidence…“while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for the precious gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus. May we all rejoice in the incredible grace that sets us free. May our hearts overflow with thanks and praise, honoring you forever, in Jesus' name, Amen.
