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)
I have a word of encouragement for you today that can be found in two simple yet profound words: “so loved.” Think about this for a moment; writing his gospel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle John could find no better word than “so” to describe God’s love for you. So regardless of where this finds you today, remember that you are “so loved” by your God.
These truly seem to be the best of all words, because who among us could define just how loved we are by God? Words cannot describe the kind of love our God has for us in Christ Jesus.
- When we lived in sin and cared not for the things of God . . . we were so loved.
- When we were rebels on the run away from God instead of toward Him . . . we were so loved.
- When God sent His only beloved Son to take our place on a cross so that our sins could be forgiven . . . we were so loved.
- When God turned away from His beloved Son as He cried out from that cruel cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” . . . we were so loved.
Truly there is no human definition that adequately describes what it means to be “so loved” by God. This should be both an encouragement and a comfort for you today.
Perhaps this finds you in a season of struggle. Or maybe Satan has been sowing seeds of discouragement in the garden of your mind. Could it be that you have been doubting the security of your place in God’s family of faith? Regardless of what may be causing you distress, let me encourage you to meditate on and marinate in the truth that the apostle John penned for you 2000 years ago: you are “so loved” by God—right now, right where this finds you.
I pray that you will live this day and all the days God gives you in light of this truth. Whether the road ahead is filled with rough patches and potholes of painful providences or it is straight and smooth because of the tender mercies of God, remember that you are “so loved.” Now, that’s a truth that will set you free to be all God is calling you to be
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 