Giving Love
/March 28
John 3:16–17
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Illustration by Gustave Doré
Over the past several weeks we have regularly been reminded of the ugliness and depth of our sin. However, we have also been reminded of God’s unsurpassable and unending love. Today we remind ourselves of an oft quoted verse: John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son.” Think about those words. Read it again. “For God so loved the world . . . ” God is not a distant God who created everything and then left. He is a God who is so near that he loves his creation like a father. God’s love is also not all talk. He did something to demonstrate his love: “he gave his only Son.” The love that God has for the world is an agape love. The Greek word agape has the meaning of sacrificial love. God loved the world so much that he gave up something. He didn’t just give up anything; he gave up his Son. The Father knew how deep and dark our sin was and refused to leave us in that place. He sent his Son, Jesus, because he loved us.
Whether our sin or life’s circumstances, sometimes we have a tendency to forget that God loves us. We forget that he loved us so much, he gave up his Son for us. What a sacrifice. What a gift. What great love. Surely we serve an incredibly gracious God. When you don’t feel loved, remember that you are loved. When you feel as though your sin is too great, remember that God sent his Son for you. God loves you. Rest in that truth.
Reflection
- When you think about your sin and God, do you believe God truly loves you? Why or why not?
- Why is true love manifested in sacrifice?
- Who is someone in your life who needs to know about the love of God? Think of that person and tell them today!