Love for Sinners

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
—Romans 5:8 (NIV)

It’s easy to love people who love us back, but what about the ones who don’t? What about those who hurt us, wrong us, or simply don’t deserve our love? Romans 5:8 paints a radical picture of God’s love: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus didn’t wait for us to become perfect or deserving of His love; He chose to love us while we were still far from Him. This love is unconditional, unearned, and utterly transformative.

Think about it—Jesus knew exactly who we were, flaws and all, yet He loved us deeply and sacrificially. He didn’t wait for us to get our lives together or to say the right things. He loved us in the midst of our brokenness. This is the kind of love that Jesus calls us to extend to others. It’s not based on someone’s worthiness but on the unconditional love He has shown us. When we encounter people who are difficult to love, we are invited to respond with the same grace and compassion that Jesus showed us.

Loving sinners doesn’t mean approving of sin, but it does mean extending grace and mercy, just as Jesus did. It’s about meeting people where they are and loving them through their imperfections, offering the same forgiveness and acceptance that God has given us. Maybe there’s someone in your life who is difficult to love—whether it’s a friend, family member, or even someone at work. What would it look like for you to show them love, even if they haven’t earned it? Perhaps it’s offering a listening ear, showing patience, or forgiving a past hurt.

God’s love for sinners calls us to action. It challenges us to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs His grace. Let’s follow Jesus’ example and extend love to those who need it the most. As we do, we reflect the heart of God and become vessels of His transformative love.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for loving me when I was still a sinner. Help me to extend that same love to others, especially those who may be difficult to love. Give me the strength and grace to love unconditionally, just as you loved me. Amen.