Today's Scripture:
John 3:16-21 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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Reflect: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
These verses remind me of just how much God loves me. He loves me so much that He would lay down His life for my sake and take all my punishment. Just remembering this fills me with great gratitude. So in whatever I’m doing at anytime of the day, I can always remember one thing; that I am unconditionally loved by the God of all creation.
Read: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
One word that stood out to me the most was the word “Love”, and how out of love, God made the ultimate sacrifice so that we would be saved. When most people think of the word “love” they may think of red roses , chocolate hearts, or maybe even caring about someone very deeply. But, the love that God shows us is the greatest form of it all. God shows us unconditional love; love that never required us to be perfect, just to humbly embrace it and live our lives loving others unconditionally as well. Verse 3:19 reminds me of James 4:4. James 4:4 tells us that friendship with the world is enmity with God. John 3:19 also talks about how people favor the world over God. Throughout verses John 3:16 -21, the main message that I got was that God loves us so much that He gave His only son so that the we would be saved and have life with Him in heaven. With all we have we have we should believe in Him.
Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
God, thank You for all that You’ve done for me. You are love, and You tell us that we are to love You and love others. So in this Christmas season, I pray that You will help me to love just as You loved. Again, I just want to say thank You for all that You have done in my life, and all of the wonderful things You have blessed me with. I also just ask that You help me be a blessing to others. In Jesus name, Amen.
About Emmanuel Okoroji:
I attend Kerr High School. Although my school doesn’t really have sports, I play basketball outside of school. I have two older siblings: Janet and Victor. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas.
I’m in student ministries here at Grace.