“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
This verse is a popular verse. I love to watch football and it is not unusual for someone in the crowd to be holding up a sign that says John 3:16.
In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Rollen Stewart, also known as “The Rainbow Man” wore a rainbow-colored wig and would hold John 3:16 signs at football games that were televised. Millions of people viewed these signs that could not be blocked by TV networks in live crowds and so the tradition of Christians holding these signs at sporting events began.
In a world where people are told they are not enough, John 3:16 includes all people, not just one select group. Reminding us that we are all deeply loved by God. He didn’t wait for us to be perfect before He sent His son to save the world.
God just asks that we believe in Him; saying yes to a love that never runs out and a life that never ends. I think we could all use a gift of love that is unconditionally free. Don’t you? Especially in the times that we are living in today; when it seems that the world around us has gone completely off the rails.
I love the verse that follows John 3:16.
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17
People look at God as the “judge,” keeping score, and waiting to make us pay for sins that we commit. This is so far from the truth. Yes, God is a “just” God but He is also a God that pours an infinite amount of love onto anyone that wants to receive it. John 3:17 is reminding us that God didn’t come to rebuke the world. He came to save it.
