God So Loved, and This is How

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God… For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace… Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:9-13,16-17

“For God so loved the world,* that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17

*Or: For this is how God loved the world

Isn’t this the aim of the whole Bible, to tell the ‘how’ of Jesus? God so loved us, so He created the most magnificent world we could imagine and then man in His image to enjoy, work, and be fruitful in it. God so loved us He gave us freedom to make choices, and when we sinned, He covered us. God so loved us He called Moses to lead His people out of slavery, displaying supernatural power over the gods of Egypt. God so loved us He kept His promises to His chosen nation, establishing them in the land in spite of all their foibles. Again and again, God so loved that He gave prophets to warn and men to deliver, both consequences and relief, and promise of ultimate renewal. (Genesis 1:27; 3:21; Joshua 24:5-13)

And God so loved us He sent His only Son, whom He loved, to take on flesh and take on the devil as He took on our sins, and win. (Matthew 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

God so loves us He provides all we need to follow Him and grow to be like Him. His grace is sufficient, His supply inexhaustible, His blessings rich and eternal. He’s given His Spirit to comfort and guide, to inspire and convict, and as a deposit guaranteeing our eternal security. (John 14:16-17; 16:8; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 12:9; Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 4:19)

God so loves us He’s preparing a place for us in heaven. God so loves us He’s coming again, to take us to be with Him forever in glory. (John 14:2-3)

If this is how God so loved, and loves us now, do we not desire above all to love Him back? How are we loving Him with our time, our attention, our material resources? If there is anyone else for whom our affections pulse or our yearnings long, would we repent?

And in light of such love, do we enfold others in such a way that they are drawn to the gospel of Christ’s grace and truth? How do my words, and affections, and interactions show forth how He has loved and saved and transformed me?

Lord Jesus who loves perfectly, keep me marveling at how You love, and teach me how to do the same. Inscribe my heart and mark my days with love like Yours, so You are magnified and adored.