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February- The Love of God, the Love of Christ
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into this world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 (NIV)
In the past, Christians taught the children the first part of this focus passage. I learned it in King James Version.
For the purposes of this blog post, we will look at one or two phrases, “God loved. . .” and “he gave.” Then, we’ll look at His purpose. Have you wondered what God’s motive was to love Jesus, r any of us?
“For God so loved. . . “
God created His Son, as He made us. This is His motive for loving Jesus and even the worst of us. A friend of mine has taught children in Sunday school and Wednesday night classes for many years. Several years ago, she taught children that Jesus loves even those who do dreadful things to others because God made them as He made those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord. Think on that thought for a minute.
“. . . .he gave his one and only Son,”
Because of God’s love for those He created, He gave Jesus to us. Actually, His plan was to loan His Son to us. It was in God’s plan to recall His Son to heaven when His intended purpose was fulfilled.
God’s Purpose
What was God’s purpose in giving Jesus to the world? He saw the state of the world He had created and wanted to make it right. He chose not to cast aspersions on His people for their sins. Instead, God chose to save the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Do we know of anyone who is in danger of departing this world without a relationship with Jesus Christ? I have several friends who would benefit from having or renewing a relationship with Jesus. We need to remember to pray for them. Our motive to do this is “For God so loved the world. . .”
Oh so many...especially those who may need to renew their relationship with the Lord. It seems the current world events have driven wedges between families and friends, and we begin to wonder, who's right and who's wrong? We have to examine our own hearts and motives and be sure we are living and acting in accordance with what God would have us do. And then we need to pray for our friends and loved ones, but not judge, because sometimes I have to stop and realize that just because we don't agree on everything doesn't mean they are less a Christian than me. I just might be wrong sometimes! (Can that be possible? LOL) Anyway, we need to pray for one another...we don't always know what others are struggling with beneath the surface.
ReplyDeletePam: I wish we lived closer to one another. Then we might be able to share our thoughts face-to-face. Could it be that the dysfunction of families began with a disagreement that grew a wedge between family members? Maybe our world situation would be a whole lot better if we remembered that we were to learn to respect one another.
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