Reason for hope - no matter what

Today’s Epistle (Romans 5:1-2, 5-8) eloquently reminds us of all-powerful reasons for our having hope – no matter what (and especially so when verses 3 and 4 are brought back in)

Since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith
to this grace in which we stand,
and we boast in hope of the glory of God.

Not only that,
but we even boast of our afflictions,
knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope,

And hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

For Christ,
while we were still helpless,
died at the appointed time for the ungodly.

Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person,
though perhaps for a good person
one might even find courage to die.

But God proves his love for us
in that while we were still sinners
Christ died for us.