For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is one of the longest lists in the Bible of things that can't do something — and the thing they can't do is separate you from being loved. Death, life, angels, rulers, the present, the future, powers, height, depth, anything else in creation. It reads like someone trying to think of every possible way love could be lost, and ruling each one out on purpose.
That's worth noticing if you've ever assumed there's a version of your life, your past, your choices, that would put you outside the reach of this. The list isn't vague. It's specific enough to include the things you're actually afraid of — including, maybe, yourself.
Notice too that the confidence here isn't in the reader's grip on God. It's the other direction. "I am sure that nothing... will be able to separate us." The security isn't how tightly you're holding on. It's what's holding you.
If you've ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you from being loved by God, this verse suggests that question already has an answer.
A short video on this is coming soon — for now, read on.