Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. —Romans 5:1-5, NIV
Last week at our MLK chapel, we reviewed facts and statistics from Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. Dr. King went through hard times to change the world. He gave more than 2,500 speeches that addressed inequality, racism, nonviolence, justice, and so much more. He was a leader. We were reminded that Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential leaders of civil rights in the world, that everything he did was out of love and peace, and that he was able to do what he did because of HOPE! Our students were challenged to treat others with respect, to be peacemakers, to love others, and to never stop growing in hope!
As we reflect on the life and impact of Martin Luther King Jr., may we remember the promises of Romans 5. For those in Christ, we have been justified, we are at peace with God, and we have grace. When we face hard times, we can know that God is doing a great work. He will grow our character and our hope. May we boast in the hope we have in Christ!