“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.” — John 3:16
While we often associate love with warm feelings, festive gatherings, or even a favourite food. The Bible speaks of a world-altering action. John 3:16, easily the most well-known verse in Scripture, serves as the ultimate definition of what it means to be loved by God and how we, in turn, are called to love others.
While we often associate love with warm feelings, festive gatherings, or even a favourite food. The Bible speaks of a world-altering action. John 3:16, easily the most well-known verse in Scripture, serves as the ultimate definition of what it means to be loved by God and how we, in turn, are called to love others.
The verse begins with "For God so loved..." This tells us that love did not begin with us; it began with The Creator.
During Advent, we remember that God decided to seek us while we were still far from Him. The world was in darkness, broken by sin, yet God’s love was proactive by coming down to us in the flesh. He did not wait for us to turn towards Him, He did not require a minimum level of "goodness" from us. We were totally unworthy. And yet, His love was so overwhelming that He intentionally gave Himself for all.
"...that He gave His one and only Son." True love is measured by what it is willing to sacrifice.
During Advent, we remember that God decided to seek us while we were still far from Him. The world was in darkness, broken by sin, yet God’s love was proactive by coming down to us in the flesh. He did not wait for us to turn towards Him, He did not require a minimum level of "goodness" from us. We were totally unworthy. And yet, His love was so overwhelming that He intentionally gave Himself for all.
"...that He gave His one and only Son." True love is measured by what it is willing to sacrifice.
When Mary was visited and Jesus was conceived in her womb by the Holy Spirit, God gave the most precious gift possible.
Advent is a season of gift-giving, but it is also a season of sacrifice. Jesus left the perfection of heaven to enter the mess of humanity. He swapped a throne for a feeding trough. A crown of glory for a crown of thorns.
When we reflect on John 3:16, we see that love is synonymous with generosity. It asks, "What can I give?" rather than "What can I get?" To love as God loves is to be willing to pour ourselves out for the sake of another. God offers this free gift not only without expecting anything in return, but knowing that we have nothing within ourselves that we even can offer.
John writes that God loved "the world." It is easy to love those who love us back—our families, our friends, and the neighbours we like. But the love of John 3:16 reaches "whoever" trusts in Christ.
It is an invitation that is not limited, but open to all those who would accept it.
The promise of this love is that we "shall not perish but have eternal life." The love of God is not just for the present moment; it is for eternity. It provides a hope that outlasts the holiday season and a peace that transcends our circumstances. God’s love goes beyond even our own imagination. His love for each one of us is not based on a single moment but factors in an eternity of human decisions. Being able to see the beginning from the end, He still chose to sacrifice Himself for us.
John writes that God loved "the world." It is easy to love those who love us back—our families, our friends, and the neighbours we like. But the love of John 3:16 reaches "whoever" trusts in Christ.
It is an invitation that is not limited, but open to all those who would accept it.
The promise of this love is that we "shall not perish but have eternal life." The love of God is not just for the present moment; it is for eternity. It provides a hope that outlasts the holiday season and a peace that transcends our circumstances. God’s love goes beyond even our own imagination. His love for each one of us is not based on a single moment but factors in an eternity of human decisions. Being able to see the beginning from the end, He still chose to sacrifice Himself for us.
This Christmas season, celebrate the only true unconditional love found in this world
....the love that was born humbly in a manger
...lived a perfect sinless life
...died a death He didn’t deserve
so that you and I might have a way to be reconciled to The Creator of the entire universe.
To live and reign with Him in newness of life forever, amen.
....the love that was born humbly in a manger
...lived a perfect sinless life
...died a death He didn’t deserve
so that you and I might have a way to be reconciled to The Creator of the entire universe.
To live and reign with Him in newness of life forever, amen.
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