‘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 judgement, 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.’ John 3:16-21
I have heard and said the phrase, "God so loved the world" so often that it has become almost too familiar. John 3:16 was often posted at ball games across the country. Yet, we often don't listen to it and more often don't live it. Our Creator loved us so deeply, ached for our healing and restoration, ached for us to be one family, one people that he sent Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice for everyone's faults. We are so very and deeply and eternally loved. What do we do when we know we are completely loved? We give ourselves to others, we forgive others, believe in others and live in hope and joy every day. May these words deeply resonate in our aching hearts today. God so loved all the world, all the people, all creatures and creation, and every generation yet unborn that Christ came so we might live and thrive, forgiven and set free.
Loving Creator whose heart is for us all
you gave us your child so we might live
he suffered for all so we might be healed
and forgiven in these troubled times.
We can be suspect of your care for us
thinking we know better what the world needs
yet you have put your love all around us
and there is nothing that can separate us from you.
Help us Lord to accept your complete love
living that love daily by serving others
working for the healing of your beloved creation
and the mending of all broken relationships. Amen.
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