Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 5

God does not disappoint his people, because of his love for them

Romans 5:5

Because God loves his people so much, even during their troubles they can expect him to do good things. Their attitude towards him is called hope; his attitude towards them is love.

People hope for many things in this world, but their hope often disappoints them. This world, and the things in it, cannot really satisfy us (1 John 2:17). However, God’s people put their hope in the living God (1 Timothy 4:9-10), and he will not disappoint them.

The Bible gives various reasons why God will not disappoint his people. In some places, it refers to his perfect character: he will not change his mind about them (for example, James 1:17). In other places, it refers to his promises (Hebrews 6:13-19) or his power (Psalm 46).

Here, however, Paul gives a very beautiful reason: God will not disappoint his people because of his great love for them. That love caused God to send his own Son, Christ, into the world to die for them (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). That same love shows that he will certainly complete his work in the lives of his people (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 1:6).

God’s people are not just aware of his love; it fills their hearts (1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:8-11). That is the work of God’s Holy Spirit, who is working in their lives (1 Corinthians 2:9-12). In 2 Corinthians 1:22, Paul writes that God has given his Holy Spirit as a guarantee, or proof, of these things.

Next part: Christ died for people who did not deserve his kindness (Romans 5:6)

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