"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life."
~John 3:16
This is a verse often quoted to tell people about how much God loves us. He loved us enough so as to be willing to send his only son to pay the penalty for our sins.
Last night I heard a verse that really struck me between the eyes about how I am to love others. God gave us his perfect example of how to love others but he reminded us of that love in 1 John 3:16.
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
~ 1 John 3:16
Naomi, this is such a great post, and great thought. Sometimes we are so caught up in how much God loves us and what He should be doing for us because of that love. Yet, I think we miss the neon sign that He has given us. If He could love imperfect beings with such perfect love, then who are we to withhold love from others? Thank you for your words Naomi. Also, thank you for loving me like that! You are a blessing,
ReplyDeleteGracie
I was right there getting hit between the eyes with you. It's amazing how, when you think you're doing really good at this "loving others thing"... until God reminds you of a SPECIFIC person He, not just "wants" you to love, but is "commanding" you to love! Deflate!! Praying I don't forget this lesson.
ReplyDeleteI just had another thought... if I say that I can NOT love a particular person for whatever reason.... I wonder how many people are saying the same thing about ME. We want others to love/forgive us, and think they should, but we are not willing to love/forgive them.... wake up call! At least it was for me. Hugs, Mrs. Potvin
Amen. It's amazing how we can fall so short in love for others, and yet be recipients of a love that never fails. We have a gracious heavenly Father. Praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Sarah
I am almost saddened by how people don't feel the significance of John 3:16 anymore because the verse is so heavily memorized that every one of us could quote it in three or four seconds. Every time I read through that part of john, I purposefully read that verse very slowly and think about it's true meaning.
ReplyDeleteI too love how 1 John 3:16 follows it so well! It just drives the point home. Thanks for posting this!