A Word of Encouragement
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. [John 3:16-18 -The Message Bible]
For God so greatly loved the world, that He gave - He gave of Himself – He gave His Only Begotten Son. Webster Dictionary described love as “an unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.” Jesus was the ultimate expression of God's love for you. When God so selflessly sent His Son into the world to die for our sins, it was love that motivated Him. It did not matter to God [who saw you before you were in your mother's womb, and knew all that you were going to do], [good or bad], made the decision that He wanted you and would give His Son’s life as a ransom for yours. Think about it! Here is God, who could have allowed mankind to pay for their sins, but instead He allowed His Son to pay the price for your lives with His life. What an exchange! Do you know anyone who loves you so much that they would give up their life so that you can live? Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who would pay such a brutal price in exchange for my life. So why are you bringing this message of God's love, you ask? I am reminding you so that you can carry the Good News that Jesus willingly paid the price for the sins of all mankind. God’s love for you can be found in 1st Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” So regardless of what you are faced with today, sickness, financial lack, marital problems, estrangement with your children, etc., know that God is love and love is the message that I bring you – now -- take that love and share it with others.
I encourage you to spread the News! I encourage you to let everyone you meet, know how much God loves them, and has forgiven them of all their sin. All they have to do is to accept God's love and a free gift by acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. [Romans 10:9-10]
Prayer: Father, in the Name of Jesus, thank You for the ultimate expression of Your Love, by allowing Your Son to die in my place, amen.
Originally published on October 1, 2010