So often and so quoted is the disciple John, that t-shirts, bumper stickers, even tattoos display Jesus' most famous words: "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)
But the words I reflect on tonight are the words that follow. Like in a set of waves, the first beautiful glassy wave is followed by a more silent, mysterious, yet equally powerful and ride-able one. John 3:17 says:
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
God's own actions were pure love. Man had lost faith in God. Man had sunken deeper into sin and hatred. Yet our Lord, instead of condemning us, saves us through his own son. Sacrifices his own son so that humankind can live on.
Perhaps we can lead our own lives in this way. Things that don't go our way, people we don't agree with, or anger, hate, or frustration comes upon us. Those things laden with negative energy, smothered with the juices of evil, can be fought with love. See what happens if you are wronged by someone, but you turn around and love them back. It is a hard task filled with forgiveness, release and humility. But to walk the path of Christ, put aside the pride and trust that through God all things are possible.
God bless.
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