For God So Loved The World, That He Gave His Only Son
One week before Christmas, we have read the Advent reading about love, and for me, the most significant action that summarizes God’s love is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” We will also read Psalm 51: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” Written by David, after Nathan the prophet confronted him concerning his affair with Bathsheba, David pleaded to God to for forgiveness and mercy for his sins. Psalm 51 teaches us love forgives. We don’t have to pretend in the presence of God. He knows. We can lay our burdens, our sins, and our sorrow at His feet. His love is more powerful than all of it. Christians are called to reciprocate God’s love, as we can lend the same forgiveness we have been given to others.