One of the most familiar and quoted Scripture is John 3:16. It captures so much of God's love to save us. The Scripture reads, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (KJV).
As my wife and I sat in a small park where across the street is Stonewall Inn. This is the place where supposedly gay rights started when the police raided the establishment in 1969. Though the crowded streets in the surrounding area is well mixed, the district is a popular gay destination drawing men and women to pubs, restaurants and shops.
Here are people from all walks of life that God loves so much He died. How He must yearn to call them sons and daughters, and in response to salvation, they would one day call Him Father.
I quietly prayed, "God show me the horror of my sin! How my sins and those around me caused your dear Son to die on the cross. Oh, Lord, break my heart for the things that break yours. And help me to see through your eyes of redemption. Not one soul is beyond your salvation."
Then my eyes saw people differently. One young man walked toward us while we stood on the sidewalk. His eyes grew wide as he tried focusing on his cell phone that he had raised high above the bridge of his nose. That man I love. His soul is broken, almost beyond repair. But I can touch him. I watch as he turned on his heels and walked in the opposite direction. His body made slight jerking movements as he struggled to carry his frame to the next destination.
Later my eyes spotted a woman backed up against a building talking on the phone. Bright letters used by the New York subway stations spelled out something I can't repeat which is what first caught my attention. As I walked by I took another look. Her cheek bones were narrow and hollow, her body was very thin with blue jeans hoisted a bit high. She's hungry for someone to truly love her. Only My love can satisfy the deepest desire to be loved.
When we understand how much God so loved us, we can't help but see people as God sees them. People who are greatly loved by God. God every day in some measure whispers the truth of John 3:16 to them - be in the beauty of nature, second chances to make it right or live, friends who love Jesus, or an invitation to attend church.
Beloved, we must be a living illustration of John 3:16 to a dying world so others might truly know the depths of God's love and life everlasting.
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