Overboard

Overboard

Have you ever asked yourself, “Does God really love me?” “How can God love someone like me after all I’ve done?”  If you have ever had these thoughts, then I have some breathtaking news for you!  Listen to the Apostle John in 1 John 3:1 (NIV): 

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 

John describes God’s love as a “GREAT” love.  This word, in the Greek, implies astonishment. It's as if God’s love is so unearthly, so foreign to this world, that John wonders “what country” it may come from. This love is not just great; it’s overwhelming.  John is literally blown away and overwhelmed at the incredible, unbelievable, and magnificent love of God!  

Then John exclaims, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us.”  When we lavish Christmas presents on our children, it means that we have gone overboard.  When we lavish a birthday gift on our spouse, it means that we have gone overboard.  And when we talk about this great love, this “unearthly, otherworldly” love the Father has lavished on us, it means that God has gone overboard!  Why? So “that we should be called children of God!” John says. 

Just think, God takes us, filthy, sinful people, who have rejected, insulted, and rebelled against Him and brings us into His home through faith in His Son, and then gives us the keys to the whole house and says “welcome, my child, into my family.  I love you; all I have is yours. Enjoy this place, and enjoy me!”   

Beloved, never question God’s love!  He went overboard, for you, by paying the ultimate price so you can be born into His family through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.  

This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries, bringing you Insights From an Elder.

by Laine Wilder

author of “Insights From an Elder” for

Carry the Light Ministries