Today's devotion is by guest blogger, Kris.
John 3:16 & 17
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Verse 16 is one of the most well-known scriptures in the world. We see it everywhere, even on signs at ball games. Too often we forget verse 17, which is just as amazing as verse 16. Jesus came to save us not judge us—words to live by.
Jesus can save the whole world. The WHOLE WORLD! That is amazing! In one selfless act, Jesus saved everyone. The old, the young, brave people, scared people. Smart ones and foolish ones. People from every race and every nation that ever was or ever will be. People with tattoos and people without, Everyone! Are you starting to understand?
That is who Jesus died for. Those of you with children, can you imagine sacrificing your child for people you haven’t even met? Or those without children, could you give up the thing you cherish the most for people who aren’t even born yet? That is what God did for us.
Every person you come in contact with is eligible for God’s salvation. There is no such thing as a lost cause when it comes to people and God. And how do we reach those people? It is important to remember that every person is an eternal being that was created and is loved by God. If God loves them, then as representatives of Christ we should love them too.
Is there someone in your life you don’t really care for? Is there maybe a person at work that just rubs you the wrong way? Or that weird kid in the hall that isn’t “quite right”? Maybe all they are looking for is someone to love them as they are.
Jesus never required us to get everything right before he forgave us. Neither should we hold up a standard for others to become our friends or to reach some measure of achievement before we will invest in their lives.
Prayer: Lord of Love, help me to value everyone I cross paths with and to see them as the beautiful creations you have made. Help me to love the unlovable and to be a living example of your grace and goodness. Amen
Challenge: Think of one person in your life that you don’t especially like, and pray for him or her every day this week. Do something nice for that person at the end of the week. Anything-- a note, a gift card to a restaurant, anything that says “I care.”
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