For God So Loved

February 15, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – John 3:16

"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."

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your Word and the truth and wisdom that it contains, and for the way it reveals Your love and grace to us. I pray that you use Your Word to guide me and shape me into the person you want me to be. Help me to walk in the light of your truth and to live each day in a way that honors you. May I always be open to your leading and your guidance. Amen

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

This verse was written by the Apostle John where he was telling about a conversation that Jesus had with the Pharisee, Nicodemus, who had come to him at night. Jesus was explaining how you must be born again in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven.   John wrote his letters to help provide a spiritual message that people of all backgrounds and cultures could understand. And of course, over time, John 3:16 is one of the most well-known and loved verses in the Bible and continues to inspire and comfort people everywhere. 

Study and Savor – Key Words

"For God so loved": This phrase emphasizes the depth and intensity of God's love for the world, which is not based on any merit or deservingness of the people in the world, but rather on God's own nature as a loving and merciful God.

"the world": This phrase refers to all people in the world, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or social status. 

"that he gave": This phrase emphasizes the sacrificial nature of God's love, as he was willing to give up his own Son in order to save the world.

"his one and only Son": This phrase refers to Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the only begotten Son of God, and who was sent into the world to reveal God's love and to save humanity from sin and death.

"whoever believes in him": This phrase emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the means of receiving eternal life. Believing in Jesus means acknowledging him as the Son of God and trusting in his sacrificial death and resurrection as the means of salvation.

"shall not perish but have eternal life": This phrase contrasts the eternal fate of those who believe in Jesus (eternal life) with that of those who do not (perishing or eternal separation from God). It emphasizes the hope and assurance of eternal life for those who put their faith in Jesus.

Summarize and Share

In today's world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged by the challenges and difficulties we face in our lives. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or health issues, it's easy to feel like we are in the midst of a storm that will never end. During times like these, it's important to remember the words of John 3:16, which offer us hope and comfort in the midst of our trials.

This verse reminds us of the great love that God has for us, and the sacrifice that he made in sending his Son to die for our sins. We are reminded that no matter what we are going through, we are never alone, and that God is with us every step of the way. We are reminded that we have the promise of eternal life, and that the difficulties we face in this life are temporary in comparison.

But how do we use this verse to get through the rough times in our lives? One way is to meditate on it, to reflect on its meaning and to internalize its message. When we do this, we are reminded that our troubles are not the end of the story, and that we can have hope in the midst of our pain. 

Today, take some time to meditate on John 3:16. Reflect on its meaning and allow its message to bring hope and comfort to your heart. And then, share this verse with someone who may be going through a difficult time, and offer it as a word of encouragement and hope.

Bible Cross Reference

Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse echoes the message of John 3:16, emphasizing the great love that God has for us and the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf.

1 John 4:9-10 - "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." This passage reinforces the idea that God's love for us is demonstrated through the sacrifice of his Son.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage emphasizes the gift of salvation that we receive through faith in Christ, which is made possible by God's grace and not by our own works.

Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This verse prophesies the coming of Jesus, the Son of God who would be born as a child and would bring peace and salvation to the world. It helps us to understand the significance of John 3:16 and the love that God demonstrated through the sending of his Son.