Daily Devotional

-February 13, 2021-

Good morning, happy Saturday,

-God’s Love For The World-

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Today’s text is one of most known and loved verses in the Bible. Often when something is so well known and familiar, we tend to read past it or take it lightly or for granted. When we take the time to read it and meditate on it, it is one of the greatest verses in the Bible with such a tremendous message.

There are three parts to the verse and each one connects to the other like links on a chain. Jesus spoke these words to Nicodemus who came to meet with Jesus at night. He introduced this eminent man, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, to the teaching of the new birth and that God loves everyone in the whole world.

• For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son – There are several Greek words for world in the NT. One is for the earth or the cosmos, another is for system that is against Christ and the church, and the one in our verse is the people on this planet. God loved and in fact so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to save us from our sins. This means He loves you and me. God created all people in His image and loves each person. God does not care about skin color, ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, or financial status. He sees beyond the exterior to the heart. Jesus died for everyone so that each one can be saved. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God is the greatest lover and greatest giver, who gives the greatest gift.

• That whoever believes in Him should not perish – While the invitation for salvation is sent to everyone, only those who believe are saved. Each person must RSVP. The time is now to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Once Jesus comes or a person dies, it will be too late. God does not want any souls to perish and end up in hell. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Salvation is a free gift if one will just accept it. The soul is eternal and will live forever either in heaven if one saved or in hell if one is not saved.

• But have everlasting life – Though both the saved and unsaved will live forever, everlasting life is the result of believing in Jesus. Once a person is saved, he receives all other spiritual blessings as well. Many stumble over the gospel since the message is so simple and they do not have to do anything to obtain it but believe. Eternity is long time but few in this world consider where they will spend it. So many prepare way more for vacations, sending their kids to college, or retirement than for where they will be in eternity.

Valentine’s Day, a day of love for couples, is coming up tomorrow. Not everyone has a valentine, or even someone to love them. If that may be you, please remember God loves you and gave His Son to save you. It is far better that Jesus loves us and that we have eternal life. Let us reflect on Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Have a blessed day in the love of Jesus. His love for you is better than the love of people, no matter how special they are to you. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean