Together in Christ: 'The World God Loves' — John 3:16-17

Thursday, January 2, 2025

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

— John 3:16-17 NLT

Key Thought

God loves. Love is Who God is and how He relates to us. [1] God lovingly and wonderfully created the universe and all that is in it. [2] We humans, however, have repeatedly broken God's heart, committed violence against each other, and disrespected God's beautiful world. All creation fell into our bondage to the curse of sin, decay, and death. [3] God loved our world so much that He became human flesh in Jesus [4] and lived among us as Immanuel, God with us. [5] God showed us His love in Jesus. [6] Thankfully, God continues to love the world - all of His children, all creatures, and the rest of creation.

God now wants us to redefine how we live in relationships based on the love He shared with us. God-like love not only feels emotion for others; it also demonstrates those emotions in loving actions. [7] Scripture never "just says" that God loves us; it always reminds us what God did to demonstrate His love for us. Our love must run deeper than mere feelings; it must reveal itself through loving, sacrificial deeds.

[1] 1 John 4:8, 16.
[2] Genesis 1:31.
[3] Romans 8:19-21.
[4] Philippians 2:5-8.
[5] Matthew 1:23.
[6] John 1:14-18.
[7] 1 John 3:16-18; Romans 5:8.

Today's Prayer

O, Father, Your love for me takes my breath away. I know You know me thoroughly - what I do, how I live, the words I speak, and the thoughts I have. Yet, dear Father, You have loved me despite my flaws, whether they are hidden or well-known. You have lavishly demonstrated Your love for me in Jesus. I now ask, precious Father, that the Holy Spirit will continue to pour Your love into my heart [A] so that I can be a conduit of Your love to others. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

[A] Romans 5:5.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 John 3:16-18
  • 1 John 4:7-12

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Illustration

Illustration of John 3:16-17 NLT — For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

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About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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