God’s Love List

"For God so loved the world..."
John 3:16a (ESV)

Sir Walter Scott was the father of the historical novel, creating characters like Robin Hood that we still celebrate today. The second largest monument to any writer in the world stands in Edinburgh, dedicated to him. But on his deathbed, he said to his son-in-law, “Bring me the book.” The young man was puzzled as he stood before a library of thousands of books, so he asked, “Which one?” Scott replied, "Son, there is only one book!" 

He meant the Bible, because only that book contains the six words that changed history and eternity, "For God so loved the world."

Are you in the world? Then you're on God's love list. No exceptions. No preconditions. When Jesus first spoke these words, Jews were shocked. Surely God doesn't love Romans who oppress us or Babylonians who destroyed Jerusalem. 

Greeks and Romans laughed because their gods had zero compassion. But this God is radically different. His love isn't limited by nationality, politics, race, finances, or education. He loves Chinese and Americans, Democrats and Republicans, rich and poor, ignorant and the educated equally. 

The reality is that God doesn't love you because you're valuable. You're valuable because God loves you. You can't do anything good enough to make Him love you more. You can't do anything bad enough to make Him love you less. Your Monday morning failures don't decrease it. Your Sunday morning worship doesn't increase it. His love for you is final, unlimited, and unconditional.

Insecurity tries to convince you, "I'm not enough," and comparison whispers, "He loves them more than me.” Remember these six revolutionary words. “For God so loved the world.” You're on the list. You've always been on the list. You'll always be on the list.

Prayer: Father, help me believe what You've already declared, that I'm valuable not because of what I do, but because of how You love. Let that truth silence every insecurity and fuel every step I take today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.