Before you met Christ, were you able to observe the lives of some Christians around you, who caused you to be interested in Christ? Do you have a peace and quiet confidence in Christ that that others can observe? If others are watching your life, knowing that you claim to be a Christ-follower, what differences do they see?

What are some of the differences in your life, because you are in right relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ? Please read Romans 5:1-11. In these verses, there are three differences for the person in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ (vs. 1, “justified,” declared not guilty because of faith in Christ):

1. Instead of being in conflict with God, we have peace with God (vss. 1, 11).

It is not peace because we are separated by a fence and aren't fighting, but peace because we are together in close relationship. Instead of hostilities, there is relationship and harmony. Through Christ, we are no longer God's enemies, but his friends.

2. Instead of being under condemnation, we live life under God's favor (vs. 2).

We have “VIP” access into a life surrounded by God's favor. The believer lives life under the favor and protection of God. This is true, even when we face in trials (vs. 3).

What are some things some people do to win the favor of “the gods”? Religious duty. Deny themselves, give everything away; in some cultures they sacrifice their children or themselves, or cut themselves.

By faith in Christ, we live under God's favor. Therefore, there is no need to live a guilt-driven Christian life. When we sin, we can confess and claim forgiveness (1 John 1:9). When we confess, we no longer have to condemn ourselves for our failures. Neither does God condemn, because Jesus was condemned and died for my sins.

3. Instead of worry and fear, we have hope for the present and the future (vss. 2-5, 9-10).

Trials can exercise our hope and make us stronger. Our hope keeps us looking ahead. Having the Holy Spirit (vs. 5) is the guarantee that 1) God is with us in trials, and 2) God will accomplish his work in our lives, and 3) God will rescue us from death through resurrection.

What disrupts these things from becoming realities that we experience? When we let circumstances tell us differently. When we lose connection in our relationship with God. When we are knowingly living outside of his will.

The basis for all this is the love of God expressed through Jesus (vss. 6-8). He loved us when we didn't deserve it. And if he loved you that much then, he loves you just as much today. If you are trying to turn yourself into someone who deserves the love of God, you are wasting your time, and missing the opportunity to receive the free gift he offers.