Paul’s love letter in suffering
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37–39 (NIV)
Powerful, all-encompassing words! We know from St Paul’s life that he knew hardship and suffering: shipwreck, imprisonment, beatings, his “thorn in the flesh”. And yet he could write these words in the confidence that nothing in all creation could separate him from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
We often hear his passage from Romans read at funerals. When we grieve, it is good and comforting to hear these words of assurance. St Paul is not speaking about the absence of suffering but rather the presence of God and God’s love during suffering. These words were powerful for me many years ago following a shattering life event. God didn’t fix things quickly; the healing took many years. But these words gave me the assurance that the situation would neither destroy me nor separate me from God’s love. Through tears I read the words aloud. I heard that God’s love was still there for me, in and through the suffering, even though I did not feel it.
When we are suffering, whether on account of physical, emotional or spiritual pain, it’s easy to feel abandoned. Pain often isolates us, fear clouds our faith and unanswered prayer can cause us to doubt. I know how hard it can be to hold onto these words when life, for whatever reason, threatens to overwhelm us. The good news is that God’s love is not conditional on our circumstances, nor does it depend on our feelings; it is there for us, no matter what, because it is grounded in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for assuring us that, even when we suffer, nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus. Help us to hold onto your promise even when we don’t feel your presence and love. Remind us that you are there, in the midst of the pain. And help us to be your presence to others who are suffering. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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