Love That Does

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son..." 
John 3:16a (ESV)

How many times have you heard 'I love you' without seeing it?

There's a story about a guy constantly telling his girlfriend, "Baby, I love you so much I'd die for you!" Every single day, he’d say, "Don't ever doubt my love. I'd die for you!" Finally, she looked at him and said, "You know you're always saying that, but you never do it!" God doesn’t just say He loves you. He has shown that He loves you by giving His Son who gave His life for all.

God doesn't just declare His love, He demonstrates it. That tiny word "so" in John 3:16 is actually the most intense word in the verse. In the original Greek, it's placed first for maximum emphasis. God so loved, meaning that God loved to such a degree, in such a manner, with such intensity, that He gave His only Son. The cross is God's forever-flashing neon sign screaming to the universe: "I LOVE YOU."

Two thousand years ago in Jerusalem, with hammers, nails, crossbeams, and blood, God settled the question once and for all. Never again can anyone put the word "if" in front of "God loves me." It's not a theory or wishful thinking. It's history, documented, witnessed, and undeniable.

I know your marriage can feel shaky, your job might disappear, and your health could fail. You can feel lonely at times, doubting if anyone cares. Look at the cross. God's love doesn't evaporate when life gets hard. 

You cannot go where God doesn't love you. You cannot do anything that will make Him quit loving you. His love never wears out, never ends, and never fails. It's unlimited and unconditional.

As Christians sing, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." Add another line: "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the cross has shown me so."

Prayer: Jesus, when doubts attack and my circumstances feel overwhelming, anchor me to the cross. Let that brutal, beautiful demonstration of Your love silence every lie. Thank You for not just talking about love, but showing it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.