Three Big Words
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18
Insight
Have you ever gotten rusty in a hobby or activity you enjoy? Of course, you have! It is normal for people to go through seasons where hobbies or activities take the back burner. Denise and I have a 6-month-old and when I get my 2-3 workouts in a week, I am often reminded how rusty and behind I am. It has been a worthwhile sacrifice to spend more time with my awesome family, but that dad bod weight is real! The temptation I have every week is to get 5 workouts in and 3 runs, thinking that will surely get me back on track.
It is amazing how often we try to get back to our “old self” so quickly, only to realize that it takes time and patience to get back to a version we miss. When we are rushing through life, we forget about the fundamentals that got us to a certain skill level. If you have not worked out in 4 months, you do not need to worry about how much you are working out, you need to make sure that your form and technique are good. Fundamentals make what we do more successful and allow us to build and get better. Forsaking the fundamentals will lead to actions that could be unhealthy or harmful.
We are tempted to forget about the fundamentals of our faith. Some make faith a complicated matter. We have debates over theological issues that cause division, we create hurdles and qualifications for people to join the faith, and we overemphasize the importance of behavior. Also, potentially at our worst, we sit in a judgment seat to tell others they are of lesser value or unlovable.
Yet, the fundamentals of our faith can be summed up in 3 big words, “God so loved.”
Those 3 words ushered in a new reality for every single human being. The foundation of our faith and the hope we have in this life is that God so loved us. God loved us and sent his Son to die for us. Jesus did not come to condemn. Why would Jesus need to come to this world to condemn, when the world does a pretty good job of doing that itself?
Jesus came to redeem, restore, and save the world. If we follow Jesus, and our message is not one of redemption and restoration, then we are presenting a false Jesus to people.
So, what big 3 words are you living out for people to see about our God: God so judged? God so hates? God so rejects? All of these have brought more division than we realize. Most harmful are the misconceptions of God that lead people to distancing themselves from a God who wants to be in relationship with them.
These verses are great reminders about the character of God. They are great reminders about the God we want to reflect to others. If love is not our stance towards every person, then we need to see God more. He invites us, and comes alongside us, as we go out and live out a God who so loved. We are not condemned. We are loved by God, so let’s make that our foundation and approach to others.
Reflection
Let the big 3 words, “God so loved” be on repeat in your heart and mind. Allow it to motivate every word, action and response you have towards others.
Prayer
Father, thank you for such love. There is no comparison that would match the love You have for me. Your sacrifice sets me apart to be a product of love towards others. Help me to be a person who reflects a God who loves because that is who You are. May others see Your love through me. I pray all of this in Your name, Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional.
