Posted by
Virginia Daddy on Friday, May 23, 2008 2:08:44 PM
In many Christian circles, and in society at large, this is the first verse many think about when it comes to Christ. For good reason, it is everywhere. It is probably the most quoted Bible verse out there. And who can't forget the John 3:16 guy from the old sports games, crazilly waving his signs in full view of the camera.
Man, that verse gets on my nerves. It gets on my nerves because of how much it is overused. The words "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" are far too often used in a way that does not capture the fullness of what they mean.
Truly, the single verse does capture the heart of the Gospel. For that is precisely why God came to eath in the form of a Son, so that we may be saved with final authority. However, this meaning often gets lost and the message is watered down. When people hear the verse, or hear the message, it goes in one ear and out the other.
This is also because as Christians, we often fail to follow Christ's biggest command: to love others. We take the great commission and evngelize, but we fail to love. Loving is now a minimized emotion. Love in and of itself is all to often overused and minimized. So, to say God loved the world means little. Love has been tarnished and hijacked. It is being replaced with lust, greed, envy, and jealousy. Material things, sexual objects, prestige are now looked at as things to "love." Christians, far too often, are no different. We drive in our nice cars, strive for the best job and the most presigious neighborhoods. We condemn others for their sin, but do not love them despite their sin.
And this is the power of God's love for us, that he sent his only son. He sent this sacrifice to atone for that which is abonimable. He died for that which is detestable. God loved the world that, despite our utter worthlessness and our direct rejecting of him, he would give his life to save us. Would we do the same to those whom we find detestable or those who reject us?
I struggle with this concept, as I am not sure I always would, even when the person came to me with pure apology. I'd like to think I would, but I honestly do not know. I do know I am grateful to have such a savior, and am happy to share this love with others, and I know I cannot do it alone. I need the help of the one pure love, who gave his life so that I may live.