John 3:16 (KJV)

What does this mean?

Jesus is talking with Nicodemus, a religious leader who came to him at night with honest questions. Jesus explains why he came: God loved the world, all people, not only a few, so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who trusts in him has life that lasts for ever instead of being lost. Christians have differed over how far the words 'the world' and 'whoever' reach, but all agree the offer is real and the love behind it is the heart of the Gospel.

What does this teach us?

God's love moved first. Before you did anything to earn it, God gave his Son, and the way into that life is trust, not performance, not background, not goodness.

How can we apply this?

If you have never put your trust in Jesus, today is a good day to begin, simply tell him you believe and ask him for the life he promises. If you already trust him, tell one person this week, in your own words, what God's love has meant to you.

Related KJV passages

• “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

  Romans 5:8

• “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

  1 John 4:9

• “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

  John 10:28