For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)
Exaggeration
Johnny Cash exaggerated when he sang, “I’ve been EVERYwhere, man, I’ve been EVERYwhere.”
The Romans exaggerated when they claimed, “ALL roads lead to Rome.”
Hallmark movie heroines exaggerated when they declare, “I have ALWAYS loved you.”
Does God really love THE WORLD?
Well, it says so right there. But what exactly does it mean?
First it might mean, I suppose… our planet. We sometimes call our planet, the world. And God does love His creation enough to redeem it. To fix it. To stop it’s groaning. To repair Adam’s damage.
It might mean all the nations of earth throughout history. And in a general sense of general love, God does care enough for all such nations to bring a method of salvation to the folk who dwell therein.
Similarly, it might mean all the people of the world. God created humans, however rebellious we became. And He blesses mankind, even when we do not deserve it. He helps the world through His Son.
But mostly, this verse is declaring that God loves HIS PEOPLE, that world… that kingdom… that universe… so much that He absolutely ensures our salvation, through Christ.
I know that does not sound as BIG and BROAD as the other options.
But it actually is the interpretation that gives His love teeth. Look what He did for His people? He gave His Son.
I love, in a sense, all the folk of Valley Center. But I love our church folk in a deeper, better way.
I love all the folk of our church. But I love my family in a deeper, better way.
I love my family. But I love my wife in a deeper, better way.
If this seems unfair, I offer a solution. I offer it hopefully, cheerfully, optimistically, confidently, joyfully, humbly, and gladly.
Become one of His people.