God So Loved the World

‘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

Somedays, it's hard to imagine that God could love the messy, ugly and broken world at present. We seem incapable of righting wrongs, keeping people safe and not taking other peoples' land and homes. 

Yet throughout human history, we have been unjust, unkind and greedy. We will probably always be. And yet still, God so loves the world, in our messy, selfish, cruelty that the Creator sent us Jesus to offer his life for us and to show us the way of love and light. We are not condemned to be our worst selves but rather we are called to follow in Jesus' steps, on the road to justice, equality and inclusion. We are walking a hard road these days, but we are not alone for Christ is with us every step of the way. May we walk the way of love, so the world can see how "God so loves the world."

Gracious Creator, you have loved us forever

the mountain, the oceans, the deserts and winds

and you love every part of your exquisite creation.

We rebel with anger, we act out of greed and fear

and when we fall, we cry out for you to save us

although you have sent Jesus and shown us the way.

Help us to plant our feet on the way of love today

for many are suffering, too many are afraid

and we can carry your love to the darkest places. Amen.