Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Listen to the Word

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.  (John 3:16)

“For God so loved the world.” You could ponder that opening phrase of our Scripture until the Christmas leftovers run out and never plumb the depths of its richness.

It starts with God. He takes the initiative. Before we ever thought about reaching out to God, He reached out to us. We don’t have to twist God’s arm or talk him into loving us. He makes the first move.

And God so loves. God’s primary attitude toward us is love. We might expect it to be indifference, since he is so huge and we are so insignificant. We might expect it to be disgust, since he is so holy and we are so flawed. But God so loves.

God so loves the world. That’s a pretty wide love! He doesn’t just love people from a particular nation, or just the rule keepers, or just the churchgoers. His love is offered to all.

Live the Word

Is there a person who is especially tough for you to love right now? Spend a moment reflecting on the fact that God loves that person. Ask him to help you reflect his love to them.