“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)
When we notice bright yellow tape with the big bold black words “caution” visibly displayed all over it, it is a sure sign that there’s danger ahead. Whether it is at the scene of a crime, a warning for wet cement, or a missing pothole cover, caution tape alerts us that we should proceed with prudence or not at all. When caution tape is evident, we immediately exit the vicinity to protect our health and safety. This warning symbol does a wonderful job of preventing further devastation to an already threatening situation.
Caution tape can be used to keep anyone in or out of an area under construction. It has a dual role. For instance, take the production workforce who work at demolition sites. They can enter certain areas because they wear hard hats and specific gear to protect themselves. However, for the safety of others, there is a restriction. I liken this text, Romans 5:8 (NIV): “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”, to the role Christ took on for each person in this world.
Jesus’s role was not that of a walking contradiction as others would have you believe. Faith is to accept the truth of why He came and who He came for. There is not one person He did not lay His life down for. No matter the sin, Jesus paid the price for it all on the cross at Calvary. Jesus can save all levels of society. If you are struggling with addiction, that sin is paid for. If you are battling with loving yourself and others, that is on the cross too! Sin caused you to move away from God, your family, and you feel that everything is lost so what's the use? Guess what? That's on the cross as well!
Unlike humankind, the love of God extends beyond caution tape. Where others are unwilling to love you, remember God has already stepped in and taken care of the lie that you are not redeemable. People have been disavowed, wrongfully accused, or even guilty as charged. This kind of love can pull down the caution tape draped over our hearts and repair the broken pieces. The bruises that remain will symbolize the work performed to repair what is shattered. Bear in mind it might not change how others observe you if they have seen you at your worst. They may still perceive you as a risk factor. You might be cut off and deemed unfit to be loved. And I understand that it might be hard to accept this concept when you yourself believe that you are unlovable, unworthy, and a castaway.
Do you recall that hard hat that I mentioned early on? This is the ideal time to put it on (metaphorically speaking). You must protect your mind. Dissect and expel every negative thought of how you see yourself. Paul says in Colossians 3:2 (NIV), “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Dwelling on things that are out of your control is futile. You have been worrying long enough. Will you not be uplifted in your thinking and rise above every situation and obstacle? God can restore relationships and allow for new ones to form.
We must always remember that there is no place God is not inclined to visit to bring salvation to His children. Granted, there are times we hide from the hand of God because there is always the presumption that we are too dirty for deliverance. I recently had the opportunity to minister during the live Your Soul Matters broadcast at my local church, and I spoke from the Scripture, Psalm 139:8, “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” My point of expression spoke to the literal position of one’s motivation for making their bed and the contrast of when that bed’s made in hell. In hell David, found God to be accessible. We can agree that there was caution tape in that bed made of hell, but it did not impede God’s presence from being right there with David. This is the kind of love that goes beyond caution tape.
Let us pray: Righteous Father, in the name of Jesus, if I have created boundaries and denied you access to my life, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I want to believe that I can be a candidate for your love because I am a sinner. Lord, help my unbelief. I now understand that despite my sins, you do not make me unworthy of your love. Today, let your love go beyond the caution tape that I have used to protect myself and to keep others out. Father, teach me how to forgive those I harbor resentment against for whatever reason. Heal my heart, my mind, and my emotions. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Kat Wilcox
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Wednesday, 27 March 2024.
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