But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NIV
Who would you be willing to die for? Without hesitation, I would give my life for my wife, children, and grandchildren. There are others I might be willing to risk my life for. But I have to admit that I would not be at the head of the line, volunteering to take the place of someone on death row.
Yet that is what God has done for me. While I was still a sinner, lost and condemned, sitting on death row, Christ died for me. He died in my place. Before I had gotten my act together. And before I had even asked for his forgiveness. Christ died for me when I was still his enemy. Even as a rebellious and sinful enemy of God, he loved me. And he has reconciled me to himself through the death of his Son.
This verse is well worth meditating on. God loves me. Not because of who or what I am. Certainly, I am in no way worthy of his love. Instead, he loves me because of who he is. God is love (1 John 4:8). And my forgiveness, reconciliation, and salvation are a demonstration of that love. There is nothing that I could do, or can do, to earn that love. All I can do is accept it and allow it to fill my life along with his transforming presence.
