John 3:16

Islem Mattey

Early in the morning, I search through the pages of my Bible for inspiration, wisdom, and courage to carry with me throughout the day. One chilly morning a few weeks ago, my Bible fell open to the book of John.

I came across an often quoted verse in scripture. It is a verse that is often taken for granted, and the most necessary gift that God has given us. I was almost tempted to flip to the next page since I know it by heart.

But somehow, every time I read it, it brings renewed hope and heals my heart and spirit from whatever attack the enemy might bring. The scripture is John 3:16.

That morning, as the verse tumbled around in my mind, I also opened Max Lucado’s New Testament 3:16. I like the remedy that Lucado suggests for the human condition:

3:16—A Parade of Hope, The Best Prescription for Head and Heart.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

A 26-word parade of hope: beginning with God, ending with life, and urging us to do the same. Brief enough to write on a napkin or memorize in a moment, yet solid enough to weather 2,000 years of storms and questions. If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything on the Bible, return here. We all need the reminder.

The heart of the human problem is the heart of the human. And God’s treatment is prescribed in John 3:16. He loves. He gave. We believe. We live.

Embrace these simple, yet deep, words and thoughts in your heart and mind, share them with others, and thank God!

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