DAY 124 - FOR GOD SO LOVED
CONNOR GRIM, YA ASSOCIATE PASTOR & VOLUNTEER TEAM LEAD
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in Him may not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16
Here’s a verse that almost anyone in the American world would know. Whether you’re an atheist, Buddhist, Muslim, new age spiritual (whatever that means) or follower of Jesus you’re somewhat familiar with John 3:16. It’s simple, yet in it’s simplicity so perfectly describes the nature of God.
First and foremost I love the reminder that God loves. Think about that for a minute. A distant “being” that creates earth and humanity and then steps away to watch it spin doesn’t love. A God waiting for you to make your next mistake so He can punish you and remind you how bad you are doesn’t love.
Love is deeply personal, it’s not passive. Love is involved. Love cares, love is interested, love desires good and the best for someone. Love is something that occurs when you are fully known by someone and accepted. The fact that this verse states that God gave us Jesus out of love is enough to chew on for the rest of the year.
But it doesn’t stop there. God doesn’t just love. His love moves Him to action.
“For God so loved He gave…” WOW
I often tell people who have questions about how God feels toward them, that all God would have had to do is NOTHING and He would still be good, just, and righteous. But God loves you so much that He gave us Jesus so that through Jesus we can know God, be forgiven of our sin, and experience eternal life both now and forever.
Because God loves, He is generous toward you. Even when you mess up. Even when you don’t deserve it. Even when you do that one thing you swore you’d never do again. God loves you, He cares for you, He gave you Jesus and now has given us His Spirit. His mercy is new every morning. He gives grace when we need it. He gives kindness when we need it.
GOD LOVES YOU.
I guess we’re ending this week of devo’s with a simple reminder. You never have to wonder how God thinks about you or feels about you. God loves you. Let that sink in today and shape your weekend!