2-18 Devotional Thots

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“For God so loved the world…that whosoever believeth in him…” But not only those that believe were loved by Him, but the entire “world”. Some teach that Jesus died for “the elect” or only for those that would receive Him as savior, whom He foreknew, but He died for all mankind, including the elect. He provided a “way of escape”(1 C0r. 10:13), for all men to escape the tragedy of hell. It is there, but not all will respond to it. He gives eternal life, available to all, but whosoever will believe in Him shall receive it without a doubt. God’s love produced this life, and freely gives it to all. It is not his fault if all do not receive it, in fact, it is His will that all mankind should be saved. This life, eternal, from an eternal God, is ours for the taking.

Love is an amazing thing. By it we are provided for in every aspect of life. God’s love is even more amazing in that it is freely given. Most of us expect some sort of favor for love bestowed, whether a simple “thank you” or a card of thanks, or a kind word tossed our way. Whatever we might expect, we are disappointed when we have shown an act of love to someone, and they spurn our love, yet we do this to God all the time, and amazingly, He loves us anyway! He does not become so disappointed in us that He quits loving, or seeks to take back what He has given. Yes, “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11: 29). There is, however, a response required of us, and that is that we must believe.

There are certain privileges, however, that we have, that the “world” does not. For example; The indwelling Holy spirit. This is a great advantage to the children of God, even in every day life. There are promises that are given solely, and only to the Children of God, as well as certain and many blessings. There is eternal life. God’s love is universal, but He especially watches over His own. There is a “general love” which is the love for all mankind, His creation, and there is a “specific love” which speaks of loving His people especially, and in a special way. Actually though, His love is the same for all, but it is manifest differently in each of us. That is the amazing thing about the love of God, it is unique to each one of us. A good father does not love one child more than another, but he loves them differently, and that love manifests itself in different ways; God is an excellent Father, and He too loves us each uniquely and differently. - Marty Dunn