“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17 AMP)
REFLECTION
Let’s prayerfully consider the word whoever in John 3:15-17: “…whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” In light of the truth of God’s Word, let’s seek to pray for the salvation of all people, including the people who seem hell-bent on destruction…ever mindful of what Jesus said:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (fellow man) and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:43-44 AMP
When we see unhinged evil around us and all manner of sin, let’s certainly prayerfully and carefully confront (when necessary) and speak the truth in love (as we believe the Lord is leading us). Let’s prayerfully do what we can to pursue peace and justice as well as earnestly pray for those clearly in the grip of evil (instead of judging them and wishing their destruction), aware of the truth made clear in the sacred scriptures that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8 NIV)
Every time we are tempted to judge and complain about others, let’s pause and pray for them instead, knowing that “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” (Ephesians 6:12 AMP)
PRAYER POEM: Venerated Victor
God-of-the-Angel-Armies, I humble myself under Your mighty hand, for Your ways I long to understand.
Equip me with insight, for I desire to do what is right in Your sight.
Venerated Victor, give voice to the vision, for Your commission is my mission!
