God’s Love In Action

Jesus loves you. How many times have we heard that before?

I remember a guy several years ago that used to be at televised football games, displaying the verse John 3:16 every chance he got. He was an attention-getter, to be sure. He had multicolored hair and was usually sitting in one of the first rows somewhere, forever holding the banner with that world-famous reference. At the time you could ask most people (at least in this country) what that verse was, and I think they could have told you – roughly – what it says. In case this Scripture is new to you, it states;

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

A lot of people mocked him because of his look, or the fact that he ‘wasted’ his time going to all those games. I for one appreciate what he did for a couple reasons. First, I appreciate the fact that he was bold enough to do what he did regardless of what other people thought. Second, I appreciate the fact that he conveyed the truth, which is God’s Word. There are a lot of opinions in the world, but not many of those opinions contain information in them that can change your life. However, God’s Word is the only thing in this life that has the power to change a person from the inside out. All the religions, theories and ideologies out there attempt to change someone’s mind, but they are powerless to change someone’s heart. That heart-changing power only comes from God’s Word – the Bible. Once a person opens their heart to receive the Word of God, then God can begin the process of change that will forever alter that person’s destiny. The fact is that by displaying that banner at football games he gave people the opportunity to open up their hearts and start a conversation with God. And while he may have strayed in his later years, the message he conveyed is still true.

I think everyone has that moment in their life when they talk to God. Whether they are willing to admit it or not, everyone has a conversation with Him. At one time or another there is that sense, that urging, that still small voice in each of us that we should recognize as the calling of God. This is a universal fact because people are people no matter who they are or where they are from. Race doesn’t matter. Religion doesn’t matter. It makes no difference whether they are living in the largest of modern cities or in the deepest forest. There is in every one of us an innate appreciation of, and desire for, Someone other than themselves. You can look at various known civilizations throughout history to see evidence of this. From ancient cuneiform writings to verbal traditions, from songs and poetry to religious practice, man has always attempted to approach God in order to fulfill that innate desire to be in communication with Him. This communication is termed fellowship in the Bible, and goes far beyond just talking. The term fellowship carries the implication that those who maintain this relationship have a special bond, a linking of heart and mind that is both common in character and unique in each individual application. The fact that people feel a need to draw near to God underlies the root problem, which is a sense of separation from Him. This separation is brought about by sin. The longer we live the more ingrained this sense of separation can feel, which explains why little children have no problem approaching or talking to God yet adults have all kinds of issues!

I have believed in God for as long as I can remember, and I can recall talking to Him from the time I was about 5 years old. It seemed pretty natural to me. Back then there was no overbearing sense of guilt or fear but definitely an attitude of respect. Of course that changed as I grew older and started doing things which were outside His will. That lifestyle (which the Bible labels as sin) was evident in my life from early on, just as it is with everyone else. Yet despite the level of rebellion I displayed He was intimately involved in my life, orchestrating events and circumstances which were meant to lead me back into a right standing with Him. If each of us were to look back at all the events of our lives we would see that same pattern – a faithful God Who repeatedly tries to draw us back to Him. Some people label these events as coincidence, but it’s my experience that there is no such thing as ‘coincidence.’ Once we take the time to look back and reflect on these events it can lead a person to see that pattern of divine intervention displayed in their lives. God is at work in each and every person’s life, and that is a powerful concept once you understand it. For years I had labored under the assumption that I was the one initiating this talk with God, but then I realized that in reality it was He Who had sought me! It was God Who has been talking to me all along, even though I felt that He was a million miles away or that He could not possibly love me after all I had done. He started (and continues) this ongoing conversation with me, just as He does with each of us. That’s pretty amazing to me as I consider all the thoughts and actions in my life that have been contrary to His ways and plans. It also amazes me to see day by day how God’s love, mercy and forgiveness are shown toward me, as well as toward the whole fallen world. However, His most impressive display of love and intervention can be seen daily in the lives of those who actively oppose Him! The nature of God is such that He cares about everyone in His creation regardless of standing, intellect or wealth. In fact, He cares so much that He sent His only Son to prove His love by living among us, dying for us and rising from the dead to empower us. And to make sure we don’t get arrogant about this provision, He makes it clear that this was done for ALL mankind, even for those who ultimately reject His offer of fellowship.

This is Part One of a multi-part series. Keep an eye out for the next installment!