Our scripture this week is John 3:1-17.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17
“God so loved the world” – probably the best known verse in all of scripture, quoted by Sunday School children, learned theologians and even non-believers. We see it on signs behind the goalposts at the Super Bowl and on the ragged cardboard of those asking for cash at major intersections. What about this verse speaks so deeply to all of us?
It tells us that God loves the world, all of us, everything. He doesn’t just love those of a certain denomination or nationality. Peter tells us “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35). For the people of Jesus time, this was a novel idea (and it’s still hard for some to believe).
Our God is everyone’s God and He wants all of His children to turn to Him and know the love waiting for each of them. We have been called to help share that love without partiality just as God does. God sent us the gift of salvation through His only begotten Son that we might be saved and know just how much He loves the world.
Heavenly Father, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to us that we could see Your love in person, and learn to be Your love to others. Help us to share this wonderful gift with all Your children everywhere. Amen.