Rom. 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

What causes God’s love to stand out is the objects of that love. As Paul states, “…yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die” (Rom. 5:7), one could see a sacrifice being made for someone who will one day accomplish great things. To invest in another person that will bring back future dividends is a smart business practice. But God’s love stands in contrast to this. God reaches down to those who are not only in opposition to him, but also having no ability (without strength vs. 6) to do anything positive for God.

Such was the state of all Christians. “Enemies” is a strong term. We were on the opposite team, going in the opposite direction, and in total opposition to God’s way in our life. While in that condition, Christ paid our penalty before God and saved us. What does he inherit? Gems? Wise, strong and committed people? No. Paul describes us as, unwise, without might, low born, foolish , weak, base and despised nothings (1Cor. 1:26-28). God scraped the bottom of the barrel to create his team. But God knows something which most ignore–his power and wisdom. God will not leave us in that unrefined state. His purpose is to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29) in his glory (2Thess. 1:10). While he is doing this and when it is finished, we will not be able to “glory in his presence” (1Cor. 1:29) because it is his work in us.

God’s love is not limited only to the glorification process. Once saved, we enter into his flow of love which carries us all the way into glory. Love governs God’s actions toward his children. God is love and love flows out of love.