Our scripture this morning is 1 John 4:9-11.
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
John paraphrases Christ’s statement to Nicodemus from John 3:16, reminding us that God loved us so much He was willing to give up a part of Himself that we might understand. He wanted us to know His love and share it with the world. This is our blessing and our calling.
Humans have chosen poorly since the beginning. Sin cannot exist in the presence of God and we were separated physically but not spiritually from Him. Still, God made a way that we could be redeemed through the sacrifice Jesus offered for us.
We can admit our sin and repent, accepting the forgiveness Christ bought for us. Then we can be part of His plan to redeem the world by telling His story and living by His example. John tells us “Since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other”, and we are charged to bring that love to all people.
Gracious God, when we fell into sin, it grieved You but You didn’t abandon us. Help us to be energetic in our work for Your kingdom, sharing the Good News everywhere. Amen.
