“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

How often have we contemplated John’s words? Jesus, our redeemer – our savior! Jesus viewed laws not as a condemnation but taught us to love so that we may be granted eternal life through the grace and love he has implanted in our hearts.

In Philippians, we are reminded of Jesus’s humanity. It would seem that God could have sent a royal king to be our way, but he did not. Instead, he sent a man: a humble man who was not out of the ordinary in appearance, nor was he wealthy, nor was he born to a royal family, instead to a humble virgin for a mother and to a mere carpenter for his earthly father. Can we imagine Jesus’ selflessness when he said, “Not my will, but yours,” and ultimately sacrificed himself to death on the cross to save us?

God created the world and saw it as good, so is the world responding? Here we are in a world where there is constant discord, man vs. man attempting to banish those who don’t share their ideology, those suffering hunger, and those suffering abandonment. However, we are his faithful people blessed by faith and truth. What does all this mean to us? Our choir recently led us in the song “Let there be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin with Me,” which resonated deeply in my heart. God invites us to be His people of faith, love, forgiveness, and generosity. We can be his arms outstretched. We can be his smile and reassurance when someone is alone or sad. Let us ask God today, who can I touch with your love?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for every breath I take and the gift of faith.
As I walk the path you set before me today, I thank you for the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and your Holy Spirit, who I trust will guide my steps.
Help me, Lord, to have a heart open to all I meet by generously sharing your love and peace, the peace that you always meant it to be.