Berean Standard Bible
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Beloved brothers and sisters, may the love of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, fill your hearts and minds with the fullness of His presence. As the Apostle Paul declares in Romans 1:7, we are reminded of the profound truth that we are recipients of divine grace, chosen not by merit but by the immeasurable love and mercy of our Creator.
Consider, dear friends, the magnitude of this calling. To be loved by God is to stand in the shadow of His eternal goodness, to be enveloped by a love that neither falters nor fades. This love is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast covenant, a commitment sealed by the blood of Christ and rooted in the very heart of the Gospel. Reflect on this: the Creator of the heavens, who set the stars in their places and formed the depths of the seas, has set His affection upon you. You, who were once far from Him, have now been brought near by the saving work of His Son.
This calling to be His holy people is not one of passivity but of purpose. Holiness is not merely an external adherence to rituals or rules but an internal transformation, a setting apart for the glory of God. In a world that often celebrates self-indulgence and fleeting pleasures, we are called to be a people who reflect the character of Christ—marked by humility, love, and a fervent desire to walk in His ways. Let us not grow weary in this pursuit, for the Spirit of God is at work within us, conforming us daily to the image of His Son.
And what of this grace and peace that Paul so earnestly proclaims? Grace, unmerited favor, flows freely to us through Christ, empowering us to live lives worthy of our calling. It is this grace that strengthens us in trials, lifts us in our weaknesses, and assures us of our eternal hope. Peace, a deep and abiding rest for our souls, is the fruit of reconciliation with God. Through Christ, the enmity between God and humanity has been abolished, and we are invited to dwell in the harmony of His presence.
Therefore, let us live as those who have been transformed by this grace and peace. Let our lives be a testament to the power of the Gospel, a beacon of hope to a world in need. In our relationships, let us embody the love of Christ. In our work, let us labor as unto the Lord. In our trials, let us endure with steadfast faith, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion.
I urge you, beloved, to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In Him, we find our identity, our purpose, and our eternal hope. May His love compel us to live not for ourselves but for Him who died for us and was raised to life. And may our hearts overflow with gratitude, for we are the beloved of God, called to be His holy people.
Grace and peace be with you always.