I Just Called to Say "I Love You"

Have you ever watched a football game on TV, and when the team kicks a field goal or extra point, all of sudden some guy stands up with sign that says "John 3:16"? Does he really expect people to look it up in the Bible if they don't already know what it says? More likely they'll just laugh and never give it a second thought.

Which is unfortunate because this particular verse actually communicates a very important truth about God, so if you don't know it, here it is:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Did you catch that? It says that God loves us. He loves you.

Which means that when He speaks to you and me, it should sound like He loves us. His messages will be filled with words and ideas that come from a heart of love.

A lot of people, though, have this mental picture of God as someone who's angry at them, who's ready to judge them because of their failures and mistakes. Do you see Him that way? If so, all you have to do is read the next verse (John 3:17) to find out what a lie that is!

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."

Here's another way of saying it:

God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. (The Message Bible)

So the next time you're not sure whether you're hearing from God or the devil, put it to this test. Does the message sound like it's coming from someone who loves you and wants only what's best for you? If so, then you can be pretty sure it's God talking.

And I wouldn't be surprised at all if the reason why is just so He can say, "I love you."