“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Romans chapter 8, especially verses 38 and 39, has always been a comforting, ‘go-to’ passage for me since I became a Christian at the age of 19. It was my memorized reminder of Jesus’ great love for me. A reminder that no matter what was going on in life, I was His. Recently, I have been battling with depression and anxiety. I know that my life is blessed with two healthy boys and a wonderful husband and much more, but on my bad days everything felt off and wrong and all I could focus on was what I had done wrong in life and shame would follow. Even these verses couldn’t comfort me. Thankfully we attend a church with a strong community that doesn’t shrink away from those who are struggling or hurting. Instead of people shying away, I was met with hugs and comforting words and most importantly people prayed for me when I didn’t have the words to pray for myself. They were able to remind me of what I already knew through Romans 8. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus. As I experience healing and joy, I am thankful daily for our community which was a piece of this healing. The disciples urged Christians on to this kind of caring for one another in scriptures such as Hebrews 10 and James 5. Let us continue to live these scriptures in each other’s lives and in the lives of our neighbors.
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking meeting together, as is the habit, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16
Mary McCready
Mary joined Servants of Christ in 2012. She is a member of the vestry and has been a great help to our youth ministry over the last year.