KEY TEXT: 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17 NIV
Many years ago in the early 90s,when my elder sisters Gloria and Emylia returned home on vacation from Wesley Girls Secondary and Holy Child respectively, one of the songs they used to jam with was one by Arthur Baker and Richard Scher titled “Love is the message”.I never knew if it was a gospel or circular song then because I was very young and naive.However,when I consider the past lives of some of us and the descent of Jesus into our filth just to save us,I cannot help but I agree with the composers. Indeed love is the message!
Religion is infused into every culture. Every society wrestles with the same questions. Why am I here? How did I get here? And what is the right thing to do while I’m here? Everyone has faith in something, whether it’s a process, a deity, a scientific theory, relationships or themselves. There is a God-shaped hole in the hearts of humanity that is looking for purpose and significance. Our hearts yearn for God one way or the other-Psalms 42:1
John 3:16, the central idea of Christianity, fills that hole. Every other religion on earth is centered on people earning their way to God. Christianity is about God reaching people. It’s about a God who provided a way back to him before we ever knew we needed a way back to him. He didn’t wait for us to get our act together; he died for us in advance—while we were still sinners- Romans 5:7-8 .Other religions offer systems of things you must do, sometimes called laws or pillars, to earn your way to heaven. But heaven is not something to be earned. It is God’s glorious dwelling place. Because of his great love, Jesus stepped out of glory, leaving behind the worship of angels, and came to die for us so that we could know him personally and intimately. Christianity is not about rules.Its about God’s love. It’s about relationship with Him.
Jesus didn’t just die. He loved us enough to conquer death. No other religion can boast of an empty tomb. We’re the only people whose leader died and came back to life. And he did it for love’s sake. This is how God loved the world. To experience this love for yourself, you don’t need a list of do’s and don’ts. You don’t need to earn your way to heaven. You simply need to believe and embrace the Love of Jesus. Everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Beloved, everyone has faith in something. Put yours in Jesus Christ. In him you will find your true purpose and significance and deep Love.Love that that overlooks our history and pasts. Love that forgives when all men are judging us. Boundless Love.
I love you all and God bless you.
