John 3:16

Today our pastor opened his sermon by quoting John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

We've probably all heard that verse from time to time throughout our lives. We know that it means God loves us so much that He was willing to let His Son die in our place for our sins. And believing that Jesus would do that for us, and then accepting His invitation to live in our hearts, allows us to live with Him forever in Heaven.

But what struck me today was the absolute simplicity of the entire verse. He loved us. He died for us. We believe. We live with him forever.

And then I thought of another verse, Mark 10:14:

"Suffer the little children to come unto me ... for of such is the kingdom of Heaven."

Jesus is asking us to be like little children. You know why? They love unconditionally. Today I asked my children if they love me. When they said yes, I asked them why. They said, "Because I love you."

They weren't trying to be cutesy or even insult me by not being able to think of one good reason. They don't need a reason; they just love me.

God does the same thing for us. He doesn't say, "For God so loved the world BECAUSE ..." and start a list of things that will win His love. He just loves us; He doesn't need a reason.

And I think that's why God wants us to be like children. They accept what we tell them because they know we love them and are only looking out for their well-being. It's when we start to question them (how do you feel about that? why are you doing that? what were you thinking?) that they start questioning us.

But God doesn't question us when He calls to us. He doesn't ask us why we didn't answer Him sooner. He doesn't demand. He waits.

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

He showed His love before we even knew we needed it. And he waits. He wants us to be like children, children who run to their Father when they see Him, their faces all lit up when He's in the room. Children who are so excited that when their Father is around they don't care who else is there - they are practically chomping at the bit to talk to Him, ask His opinion, and share about their day.

My prayer is that I once again become that little child, so full of wonder at my Father and constantly listening for His footsteps at the door. I want my heart to be so full of awe around my Father that I'm practically bursting.

I want to be that child.