Got Love? – May 31, 2024
Read: John 3:1-17
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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16,17
Got Love?
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There are many ways that others can love you. “I love you a billion!” can be blurted out loudly. A kind smile can share the warmth of friendly love. When a parent gives you a hug, they are loving you without saying words.
How do you know that God loves you? Has God ever given you a hug when you felt sad? What does Jesus’ smile even look like? It probably would be frightening to hear a loud voice blurt out, “I love you a billion!” when you are alone in your room.
Then there are the other things. You know. The S.I.N.S. that you have done. It wasn’t loving when you talked back to your parents. It wasn’t loving to sneak away after supper so you didn’t have to help clean up. Being unkind isn’t loving, but being loveless is a sin.
Why would God love anyone? Are you ready for the answer? God is LOVE. God loves the unlovable. God loved a man named Nicodemus, who feared what his friends might say if he talked to Jesus. Jesus loved Nicodemus even though the religious teacher didn’t know all the answers to Jesus’ questions. Nicodemus didn’t even know he was talking to God’s one and only Son! Yet, Jesus loved him. Jesus was patient with Nicodemus by taking the time to teach him about God’s love.
How does God love you? In this way— “God loved the world, he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” When Jesus was crucified, God the Father stopped loving his Son because the Father never wanted to stop loving you. Jesus came to forgive the world so that everyone who believes in him, so you who trust in him, could be loved by him forever!
God’s booming voice might not echo in your bedroom every night, but that doesn’t mean he fails to tell you he loves you. Through the waters of your baptism, the Holy Spirit promises he does! Every day, you can wake up knowing you are forgiven and saved and will live forever in heaven. How can you be so sure? In the way God loved you, he gave you his one and only Son who forgives you.
Closing Prayer:
(CW 575:1 – By Grace I’m Saved)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless;
my soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why waver at this word of promise?
Has Scripture ever falsehood taught?
So then this word must true remain:
by grace you, too, shall heav’n obtain. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name two ways your mom/dad or grandpa/grandma show love to you.
- How does Jesus show how much he loves you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why is it comforting to know that God loved the world?
- How does God love you through other people in your life?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How does each person of the Triune God show they love you?
- What promises can you hold God to because you have been baptized?
