God So Loved

‘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

John 3:16 is one of the most remembered verses from the bible. It is often on signs in the stands at ballparks. We might memorize it in Sunday School and find it throughout our prayer books. In this familiar passage, we find the true nature of God. God is love made real. God's love is so strong for each and everyone of us. that condemnation and judgement are wiped away. God's love becomes our strength and our light, in our darkest and most broken times. We are held, every living being and relation is held in God's heart which is purely and only love.

Creator you embody perfect love

and care for this world so very much

that you would offer your beloved child

for the healing and welcome for all.

We often turn away from your love

we condemn others and build walls

and despite it all you reach out

with loving arms to embrace us.

Help us to see your love alive today

help us to be your love here and now

let us leave off criticism and hurt

by living in your all-encompassing love. Amen.