“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)
Does God’s love have limits? Can God only bring Himself to love a favored few specimens of humanity, while hating the rest? And when Jesus died on the cross, was His sacrifice only intended for those handful of favorites?
This marvelous verse gives us the answers. It tells us the scope of God’s love. God loves the whole of humanity. It’s not reserved for a few favorites. In chapter one, John tells us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the whole world, rather than the sins of a few (John 1:29). In John 12 Jesus will say, “If I be lifted up (in crucifixion), I will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32). In 1 Timothy 2:4 Paul reminds us that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” And in 2 Peter 3:9, the apostle tells us that God is “not willing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” The whole world is the object of God’s love.
At the same time God assures us that He receives no pleasure in judging the wicked. Rather He finds pleasure when the wicked turns from his evil way and lives (Ezekiel 33:11). Indeed, Jesus said there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (Luke 15:7). God loves to save sinners. James tells us that God’s mercy always triumphs over judgment (James 4:11) because it accomplishes God’s will far more than judgment. God only judges because He has to. But He shows mercy because He loves to.
Some say that God’s love for the world is only expressed in His daily provisions of rain and warmth, by giving seed to the sower and bread to the hungry. They say God’s true love is reserved for the elect. But here Jesus clearly tells us that God’s love for the whole world is redemptive. It drove God to send His Son to save us. And God’s invitation is all inclusive. “Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have eternal life.”
REFLECTION
- Do you ever feel unlovable? Ever feel unredeemable? What do you think Jesus would tell you about His love for you?
- Jesus loves you so much that He carried your sins upon the cross, suffered your punishments, and endured God’s wrath? How will you respond to His love?
- Such amazing love demands our faith, love, and allegiance in return.
