Paul’s famous letter to the Romans was sixteen chapters, and the famous chapter sits right in the middle of them. It is famous because it provides great comfort for Christians who are going through really hard times. Have you experienced sad and confusing things? Have you been mistreated by your friends or a family member? Have you lost a loved one? Then you should read the letter to the Romans.

In the first seven chapters of the letter Paul explains how we are saved. We are all sinners. Jesus died for sinners. Those who believe in Jesus are made right with God. And Jesus gives the Spirit to those who believe to help us follow God’s ways. Now when we get to the famous chapter 8, Paul talks about how we are kept safe in Jesus.

First, he gives us this marvelous promise: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). “No condemnation” means “no judgment.” God will not judge us as sinners, because Jesus took on the punishment we deserve. No condemnation! What a promise! Second, Paul explains that this world is a little bit like a woman giving birth. There’s a lot of groaning and pain, but something good is coming later. Our present suffering paves the way for a far better future glory. Lastly, Paul ends with some of the most beautiful words in the Bible, sharing about God’s always-and-forever love for us in Jesus: “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (8:31–32). So, can troubles on this earth separate us from the love of God in Christ? No! Persecution or pain? No! Dangers or distresses? No! Demons or death? No! Nothing can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (8:39). Whatever hard thing you are experiencing, know it cannot separate you from God’s love for you in Jesus. And if the all-powerful God loves us, we can trust that everything that happens to us—even the bad, sad stuff—our always-good-God has planned to work for our good. What great comfort!