For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV
He Gave
Every year, millions of Canadians donate their time and money to charities. These charitable donations help vulnerable individuals and families access basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. Unfortunately, data from personal income tax returns show that the generosity of Canadians has declined over the last two decades. In 2000, more than one in four tax-filers (25.5%) donated to charities. By 2019 that number dropped to 19%, less than one in five tax-filers.
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We all love getting gifts. Often, what we love is not so much the gift, but that someone cares enough about us that they would go to the trouble to search out something, or create something, with us in mind. A gift is given because someone cares. With this in mind, there is no wonder that the best loved verse in the whole Bible is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Even those who have never read the Bible have heard this verse – many because they’ve seen it on a sign at a sports event! There is no greater Giver than the God who created us. His first gift was life itself – we exist because He formed us in our mother’s womb. Then, because sin had separated us from Him, He gave us the gift of Jesus – and through Him, the gift of eternal life. God gave us Jesus as a gift – because He loves us. On the cross, Jesus took the punishment we deserve because of our sin – because He loves us. Don’t reject the gift being offered – put your trust in Jesus today.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley