Read John 3:16
“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.”
I think I learned this verse when I was about 4 years old. It was the first verse that I learned to find in the Bible, and I could both sing it in a song and recite it on command. I am not sure I really understood its significance until I was much older, though. As a child, this verse simply marked the hope I was given as a result of God’s sacrifice. As an adult, I feel the gravity of what God did for me in His awesome expression of love. My understanding has matured over the years and not only does this verse give me hope but it also directs my steps. It sets the tone for the way I ought to live my life. A life marked by generosity.
God has offered us freedom and redemption through His sacrifice. He gave willingly and without exception to all of us. The gift that God gave us was never meant to be held tightly, but instead, shared with those around us. God gave, so we give. Spend some time today praying about this verse. Ask God to begin to give you a generous heart. One that mirrors His and is willing to give because of the example He has set.
