A Verse
John 3:16
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.
A Comment
This week, we are focusing on God’s love. This morning’s passage is one of, if not the most well-known, Bible verses in all of Scripture. While some have debated its meaning, my hope is that you will join me in slowing down and reflecting on the greatness of God’s love.
Many times we read past the first few words in this passage. We don’t reflect upon grammar, but the grammar in our passage is important. As one scholar noted, the Greek construction behind “so loved that he gave… emphasizes the intensity of the love, and insists that the envisaged consequence really did ensue.” But this passage points to more than the intensity of God’s love, it also points to the manner of God’s love. In other words, this verse tells us how God has demonstrated his love for the world by giving his one and only Son.
When someone asks or wonders, “Is God loving?”, the biblical response is to point them to God’s giving of his Son in our place that we might not perish but have eternal life. We must allow God to determine how he shows his love, and reflect on it often.
A Prayer
Would you pray with me?
A Blessing
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
For God So Loved...