“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.”
God’s heart is to restore us to wholeness. When we need healing for our bodies, minds, or spirits, God’s Word provides answers for our afflictions. Scriptures on healing give us a new perspective of hope and comfort. Rest and read God’s Word knowing that it will speak into your situation today.
John 3:16-17
Each of us craves love. We want to be in meaningful relationships that encourage us to pursue the best versions of ourselves. We want to be fully known—and completely loved.
However, our flawed human nature has warped our sense of true love. We pursue passions and relationships that will never satisfy our hearts. We grasp for meaning and seek satisfaction in our careers, our spouses, our children, and even ourselves. During the Christmas season, we seek to give gifts that will reflect and perhaps even impart feelings of love. But God has already given us the ultimate gift of love—Jesus Christ.
We’ve likely heard John 3:16 a million times, especially if we’ve grown up in church. It’s considered the “for God so loved the world” verse that explains the message of salvation. This verse condenses the entire message of the gospel into one clear sentence. However, we often stop there. If we continue reading through verse 17, the message becomes even more meaningful.
Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it.
What radical love. God loved us while we were still sinners, and by believing in Christ’s finished work at the cross we can have eternal life in heaven with Him. But the message doesn’t end there. He came to bring light, life, and restoration. He came in a manger, lowly and small. He came so that we can live a full life on this side of heaven, too.
Redeeming love
On that night so long ago, God imparted the greatest gift to the greatest sinners. With the baby’s cry, love spoke into the world. He came in the midst of turmoil and darkness to bring light and grace. He is love itself, and His love transforms our world.
When the world says we’re worthless, God’s love says we’re worthy.
When the world says we’re broken beyond repair, God’s love says we’re redeemable.
When the world says we need more to be fulfilled, God’s love says we can be satisfied in His goodness.
When the world says our failures define us, God’s love rewrites the story of our lives.
When the world says our failures define us, God’s love rewrites the story of our lives.
No matter what comes against us, God’s divine love is stronger. Bible verses about love show us the true character of God’s heart. It’s a heart that came down in human flesh. It’s a heart that caused heavenly hosts to cry “glory to God in the highest.” It’s a heart that knows every intricacy of our lives, and still intentionally chose to be our Savior anyway. This is the Lord who heals us, restores us, and trades our anxiety for joy.
Breath of heaven
Love has come to bring everlasting life, hope, and redemption. Love is the very breath of heaven.
We can give and receive love because we know the one who first created love. Love never gives up, never gives in, and never seeks for itself (1 Corinthians 13). While we’ll never reach God’s standards of love, we can rest in knowing that the more we accept His love, the more we can give to those around us.
Love came with fragile fingers and left with nail-scarred hands.
No matter what this season has thrown your way, no matter what pain or trauma has scarred your heart, no matter what has caused you to believe that you’re unlovable, know that God loves you fully and completely. He will never revoke His love from you. This is real love. This is our Jesus.
