John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

God does not condemn, but truly loves the world. God has given us a gift which is Jesus Christ, the Unique One. Jesus gives us new life in surprising ways, and this new or eternal life begins this very moment. God wants us to believe in Jesus- a phrase that many Christians disagree on what this entails - so that we have the possibility of not perishing. These are just some of the meanings behind the words of these verses.

Perhaps one or more or my own musings resonate with you. If so, I encourage you to comment - sometimes the best and deepest learning occurs when several persons dialogue together.

In any case, my prayer is that when you hear this verse or see "John 3:16" you will now hear it with fresh ears and see it with truly open eyes.

Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims