So Loved

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, NIV)

Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, ERV)

For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction but will have everlasting life. – (John 3:16, VOICE)

As a mom to two sons by birth and two more by marriage, I cannot even begin to fathom giving one of them to save others. I love and care for people, but not more than my own family. God’s sacrifice was to provide the opportunity for eternal life, and some still refuse to receive what is freely given. The love of God is an incredible gift that we can choose to receive. It is a gift that we cannot earn, and it lasts forever. When we become parents, we have an beautiful love for our children that overwhelms. From the moment of knowing they exist, the desire to protect, care for, and love floods our hearts and minds. The way we love our children is the closest comparison that we can make, yet it pales when measured next to God’s love for us all. Evidence of His love is all around us, and I imagine that He grants us strong bonds of love with others so that we can begin to understand the depth and breadth of His love for each of us. May we receive readily what is freely given, and ever praise Him for the gift of life that we can embrace through His one and only Son.

The love of the Lord,

Far beyond what’s known;

Jesus’ sacrifice,

A glimpse of glory shown.

Depth we can’t fathom,

Through our human ways;

A love that gives all,

Throughout all of our days.

May we ever praise,

The Lord God above;

Seek revelation,

To understand His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You does not even begin to express the depth of our gratitude for the gift that You have freely given for all. Thank You that Your love is not something that we can somehow earn, but rather it is ours to receive. Forgive us for the times that we forget the enormity of Your sacrifice to save us. Teach us to remain ever in awe of You and Your great love. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may gain glimpses of the power and purpose held in Your love that saves. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the greatest gift ever given, and receive freely, all that You offer. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Because He Loved

Valentine’s Day is an interesting holiday, especially among middle schoolers the day prior. While some students were over-the-moon with excitement, others were nearly manic, as they mourned their mate-less state. Most, however, took it upon themselves as an opportunity to binge on copious quantities of confections, and were bouncing off the walls. The pivotal point that so many get hung up on, is what exactly is love, and how do we celebrate it?

 

If our priorities are kept in place, and we opt to spend the day focusing on loving God and loving people well, then it can be a day worth celebrating, rather than one to view with disdain. One of the most powerful examples of Jesus’ love for us is how He endured all things for our sake, so that we could come to know Him.

 

In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself!” – (Mark 15:31)

 

Though Jesus could have saved himself, He endured this suffering because of His love for us. He could have chosen not to take the pain and humiliation; He could have killed those who mocked Him – but He suffered through it all because He loved even His enemies… Jesus died on that cross for us, and the penalty for our sins was paid by His death. – (NIV footnotes for Mark 15:31)

 

Because He loved, we too may love.

 

What beautiful love,

would lay down His life;

choose to sacrifice,

despite all our strife?

He came not because,

we deserved His grace;

but because He loves,

the whole human race.

The sinners and saints,

man, woman and child;

He came for us all,

to be reconciled.

Let us each embrace,

this glorious gift;

go forth and love well,

encourage and lift.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son.  Jesus, thank You that You came to set us free from the chains of our sin, and made the way for us to be restored to a right relationship with You. Thank You that You endured endless suffering on our behalf, because You loved. Forgive us for not choosing to love You and others as we are called to love, or for focusing inward instead of out. Teach us to trust You more, so that as we reach out in faith, we will recognize the remarkable ways in which You provide return to refill our hearts again. Lead us to love well, so that many may come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we bring the blessings of Your love to a world in need. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:1