Have you ever paused long enough to meditate on the staggering meaning of John 3:16? “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.” Let’s break that famous verse down.

God. Do you know what God is like? He is absolutely self-sufficient. He’s good without you (no offense). God has never said to anyone, “You complete me.” He is complete already. If the entire world would have perished in hell and no one would have gotten eternal life, God would have been just fine. He’s God, after all. 

And yet—this should mess with you—God so loved. He chose to love us even when he didn’t need us. He thought of our needs (to not perish) even if it cost him his very best (his one and only Son). Love always involves a sacrifice, and God’s love required the greatest sacrifice of all—Jesus.

And whom did God love so much that he sent his only Son? (Brace yourself for this!) The whole world! Black and white and every shade of brown. Rich and poor. Male and female. Married and single and divorced. Good people, bad people, prodigals, and Pharisees. Me, thank God. You, praise God. Grace is love with no strings attached, and this love wasn’t based on history, morality, or potential. It was pure. It was undeserved. It was for everyone. It was for you too. It still is.

What a verse! What a God!