Focus

Take time to rest in the comfort of the Lord today.

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Read

John 3:16-21 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned, but those who do not believe are condemned already because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

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Reflect

“God So Loved”

I have often said that if the Gospel could be summed up in one word, the word I would use is … Love. Jesus came into the world with a message of love for all of humanity. It is such a great and uplifting message that surely it would be received by everyone. God shows this love by giving Jesus on behalf of all. All we must do, according to John, is believe.

There is no telling how many people know, or know of, John 3:16. Though not as much today, the words, “John 3:16,” often appeared on large posters under basketball goals and behind goalposts. Even non-believers could at least tell you the name and numbers. In Sunday schools around the world, this verse made the top of the memory list and most every churchgoer knows the verse.

There is something about giving up the only one you have for someone else. As a child, I would have never given my only piece of candy for someone who had none. For that matter, it would have been hard to share if I had two. But there is an important lesson for all in the idea of true love for someone, true unconditional love. God gave God’s only Son. Not one of many, but only, out of love for the world which God created. And from that example of love, we are called to share it with everyone we encounter. And sharing that love is a lot more important than just memorizing that verse. Put love into action, as God put love into action for YOU!

 

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Pray

Gracious God, we are humbled by your love for us. May we seek to share that which we have been given and love as you have loved us. Amen.

Go with God!