Scripture
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:10–11, ESV)
Thoughts
“While we were enemies . . .” What happened while we were enemies? While we were enemies, we were reconciled to God. How did that happen? We were reconciled by the death of his Son. Wow! That is amazing. And the story doesn’t end at that; there is much more. Now that we’ve been reconciled to God, just think what is happening because Jesus rose and is alive! We have the opportunity to rejoice with God himself. It is mind-blowing when you really think—as Paul said—about how much more we have. The problem is that too many Christians are living in the “much less” rather than the “much more” that they could be living in.
Later in Romans 5, Paul continues to talk about the “much mores” in Christ:
- • Much more – the grace of God (5:15)
- • Much more – abundant grace (5:17)
- • Much more – the gift of righteousness (5:17)
Look closely at these much mores: God’s abundant grace and the gift of righteousness. We often think of our sin as being much more than the grace that comes with the gift of salvation. Paul makes it very clear here that God’s grace is greater than any sin.
Application
First, I want to encourage you that the power of Jesus’ resurrection is much more than your sin.
Second, do you focus on your enemy’s sin or on the gift of forgiveness they can have through Jesus Christ? Do you imitate God by living in the much-more of God’s wonderful grace and his gift? I think it is easy to focus on the much-less of people’s fallenness rather than focusing on the much-mores of Christ’s resurrection power available to them. I double-dog-dare you to make a list of the good attributes in your opponent in conflict. Focus on the much-mores God makes available to them, and then live in your own much mores that God has poured into you.
Prayer
Lord, help me not to focus on the other person’s much lesses. And help me to live gratefully in the much mores of my life in you. . . Continue praying.
