I don't think it's any coincidence that Paul repeatedly writes of God's love for us. That it is because of His good grace alone that we are acceptable to Him. It is a message that is heard so often but forgotten so quickly. From the beginning of man (Adam), there was sin present on this earth, the punishment for that sin and all of our sins was death. This was true until Jesus came to be, live, and die. There is no longer fear of God's wrath or anger come judgment day. He sent His son, who bore ALL of our sins, so come that day, we will be able to stand in joy-face to face with our Maker.
I think the other important part of this chapter to mention is verses 3 through 5. "We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure." When I think of suffering, my first thought is not 'glad.' I think the point Paul is trying to make is though we have the Spirit in our lives, it does not mean we will live a perfect life without hard times or strife. He is reminding us that though these things may happen, we do not have to do them alone, that God is there, fighting with us-giving us the strength we need to go on. This is a strength that we must ask for and look for, because it sometimes comes in unexpected ways.
-Jenni
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