Living 4 Him

“For God SO LOVED the world that he gave us his son . . . ” John 3:16

As a teacher for 33 years, I depended on words every day.  Words I spoke out loud had to be carefully selected.  Words I wrote needed even more thoughtful crafting.  Words carry great weight and choosing the right ones for the right effect can make every difference in the world.

Jesus had 3 years and a little more to teach and minister, so using the right words was paramount to his mission.  That’s why reading the words he used is such a wide window to understanding who God is.  Over the next few weeks we will look more closely at Jesus’ words and use his descriptions to help us understand more about the character of God.

One of the most famous verses in Scripture highlights the epitome of God’s character . . . “For God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) 

Every choice God has ever made was out of love.  God loves.  God is love.  Because God loves, he gives.  Because God loves, he cares for you.  Because God loves, he gave us his son to bridge the gap created by sin. Because God loves, you will live forever with him!   You are LOVED!  Don’t let another minute of this new year go by before you let this truth sink even deeper into your mind and your heart. 

As God looks at you, he looks only through his lens of love.  You are beloved and cared for.  God’s delight is in you! When your trust in God feels shaky, stand firm on this foundation: We are deeply loved by God and everything he does on this earth begins with love and is for our own benefit.  We can trust God because He loves us . . . completely.  As one of my favorite authors, Catherine Marshall, wrote: “God’s love means sheer goodwill for us.”

Jesus was clear to his disciples as he spoke to them in John 15 that the best way to live this life and to bear fruit for God’s kingdom was to “remain in His love.”  Remember, your life was given to you out of love.  Remain in that love and let God’s love reign in your life. 

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):

Read more about God’s love at work in this world in John 15:9-17 and 1 John 3.  Write down phrases that help you to feel God’s love more deeply. Look for God’s love in your moments.  He’s there.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):

Share love through good deeds, wide smiles and friendly waves all week (or year) long!