Gave

John 3:16 (NIV)

For 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.

How are we to understand this giving God?

As our Lenten reflections on John 3:16 continue, this week we move from God's love to God's gift. "...his one and only son..."

Who among us could imagine making that gift? Who would want to be that gift?

And yet the Gospels tell us that this is exactly the choice, and the gift that God makes.

Perhaps radical love always gives birth to radical giving.

As Jesus attempts to explain himself to Nicodemus (and us) in this piece of scripture, we hear him say, "God so loved...that he gave..."

This is the essence and identity of the God of the universe.

Everything flows from him. He is our source...Alpha and Omega...Beginning and End.

Sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking that we can delay "making our peace" with God.

Sometimes we wonder if it's possible really live in relationship with a presence as "other" and "unknowable" as God.

Exactly the opposite is true. There is no other possibility. There is no life for any of us "apart" from this love...this gift.

We are beloved children of the Creator, whether we know it or claim it or not.

The next step is trust. The gift is given.

Prayer: God our Father, we ask you to save us from our unbelief. Increase our faith in your love, and your gift.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: James 1:16-17