God Is for Us

Soon after my wife and I were married, I earned some extra income by officiating high school basketball games. (I still have the whistle and the black and white striped shirt to prove it!) I'd usually referee two or three games a night for 15 dollars per game. The money wasn't my only motivation. I enjoy sports, and officiating helped me stay in shape and kept me close to the competition.

A strange thing happened, though, whenever I put on that black and white striped shirt and walked out in public. I was no longer mild-mannered Dave Faust. I was instantly transformed into a dirty, rotten, blind, biased, cheating, no-good scoundrel—and a few other characterizations unfit to print. That striped shirt made others treat me like a non-person. I could forget about receiving any gestures of encouragement or kindness. When I wore the striped shirt, most of the communication directed my way was hostile and argumentative. Almost never did anyone express appreciation for my good calls. (And I made a lot of good ones!) Whenever I made a questionable call, though, I heard about it in no uncertain terms. I'd come home when the games were finally over for the evening and peal off the black and white shirt, chuckling to my wife, "It's great to be back where I'm treated like a person again!"

I wonder: How many children go to school feeling like they're wearing a black and white striped shirt? How many employees are ignored at their workplace and treated like non-persons? How many family members find the communication in their own house or apartment hostile and argumentative most of the time?

Where can you always be loved and treated like a person with value? Where will others accept you even when you make a bad call? Where does the fresh air of grace blow away the clouds of guilt and condemnation?

There's only one place: in Jesus Christ. Romans chapter 8 is a waterfall of encouragement, pouring out God's refreshment on thirsty souls. In Christ, we're not condemned; we're forgiven (v. 1). We're not powerless; the Spirit of God dwells in us (v. 11). We're not slaves; we're God's children (vv. 15-17). Death isn't the end; we have hope (vv. 22-24). We're not helpless; the Father hears our prayers (vv. 26, 27). We're not alone, for nothing can separate us from God's love (vv. 35-39).

Three times in this chapter, the apostle Paul uses the phrase "all things" to describe God's grace for the Christian. God's purpose will not be thwarted in us: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (v. 28). God's gifts will not be cut off from us: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (v. 32). God's victory will not be denied to us: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (v. 37).

"God is for us" (Romans 8:31), but we tend to focus on what's against us. Our world can be incredibly harsh and unforgiving, offering more misery than mercy. Where can we find strength to keep going when faith brings more questions than answers, more sorrows than joys?

Only one place. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Peal off your black and white striped shirt. Come home to God's grace.