John 3:16 (#343 of 365+)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NASB)


This is one of the first Bible verses I ever memorized. I memorized it in the New American Standard version but, in any version, it does a great job of presenting the gospel with very few words.

Today I’ll just focus on the word whoever. That means everyone is in the same predicament and has been given the same opportunity to receive the greatest blessing of all: in Joni’s own words, “eternal fellowship with God.” And the best thing about it is that eternity starts right now in this life!

The gospel is an open invitation from the Lord to all human beings no matter what spiritual disfigurements we feel will prevent him from accepting us into his kingdom. When we feel most unworthy is when we truly understand our hopeless condition and value of his extravagant gift...

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:3, 6)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)

However, some Christians fall into a trap after our salvation experience when we flog ourselves for being less than perfect. When we allow disappointment, guilt, or shame to take over our thoughts instead of resting in the knowledge that God accepts us—warts and all—it can rob us of so many blessings our Lord wants to give us.

“If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us?” (Romans 8:32 MSG)

Lord, you opened wide the door of salvation so “whoever” would be welcome. Thank you for giving up everything to save me, among countless other lost souls. Thank you for your Spirit... Fill my heart so full of your love that it spills over into generous deeds. May I touch someone’s heart for you in a purely unpremeditated, Spirit-led way today. Amen.