By Pastor Royston Smith
“John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16, is one of the most memorised, most quoted, and the most powerful verses in the Bible. A favourite of many, it is a common feature of signage, shopping bags, and social media posts, to name a few – it is ubiquitous.
These words of endearment are treasured all over Christendom. One theologian said, it is “The North Star of the Bible,” implying, if you embrace its meaning and live accordingly you will find your way home to heaven. Or as a famous singer referenced it as, “the foundation of the Bible and the foundation of their faith.”
First God loves; therefore, he gave. Second God loves; thus, God forgave and saves forever.
The once hopeless will find hope and assurance as they meditate on these words. God knew how helpless humanity was and still is. Rather than sitting aside and watching sin take its natural course leading to more hurt, pain, abuse, and ultimately death, God drew near. He gave. His son died… We live. There is hope beyond life’s darkest tunnel – death.
Think about it. This one single sentence. Having so much relevance. Words so simple yet profound. The entire gospel in just 26 words, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
- God loving us, the unlovable
- God reaching us, the unreachable
- God touching us, the untouchable
- God saving us, the unsavable
God owed us nothing. God owes us nothing. He could have made us like robots, unable to appreciate the beauty and colour of creation. The condition for such enjoyment could be that we bow down and worship Him (forced worship is not worship at all). Yet, this loving God freely and generously gave so that we can enjoy and live a full life. Expecting nothing in return, he did it for us all. God is the only true giver.
Let me ask you a question, “Are you a giver?” Do you give freely and generously? So, many of us give conditionally. We are selective with our giving. Let us look for opportunities to bless others. Rather than waiting until you have enough to give, be generous and know, it is enough just to give.
As you give to others, welcome into your lives the greatest giver. Develop a relationship with God. Worship Him; He has given us material things.
God has given us something even more precious than creation. God so loved that he gave us his only begotten son. Embrace that gift for 2023 and beyond.
