“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)

Why do so many people believe that God hates them? It’s clearly indicated in the New Testament that “God so loved the world”. He didn’t say that He loves only the righteous or those who were solely devoted on Him. Very simple, He loves the world so much that His only Son willingly gave his life so that we had the opportunity to have “eternal life.”

God is not after us to condemn us. He wants us to experience eternity!

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17 (NIV)

His goal was not to condemn us, but to “save the world through” Jesus.

Those who condemn others are not from God, as God ‘s focus is to save the world.

Many, many years ago, when I was a brand new teacher, my principal sent me to a workshop. A supply was called in. However, the supply left quite late from her home and eventually lost her way to school. She finally arrived around 11:30 in the morning.

Can we imagine kids between 12 and 13 years old alone in a classroom? Would they wait patiently for their supply teacher? No way! Let us have fun! No one can hear us! They started to throw spitballs on the walls of our classroom, as well as on the high ceiling. Books and notebooks started to fly through the class. They did all these activities for the two hours and a half while they were alone.

At first all kids were excited, but within half an hour some started to have headaches.

Once the supply was there, the principal was made aware of the condition of the class. He started to yell at my students. They were irresponsible! He gave serious consequences. In one word, he condemned them as being a bad class.

Some parents though did not agree. Wasn’t the principal the one who should have checked if someone with responsibility were taking care of these students?

However, it is true as well, that my class had done irresponsible choices. However, condemning them, did not help them to become responsible!

Jesus’ solution for this world is not to condemn them. He could have easily accused us of our irresponsibility. He never did so! His goal was not to condemn, but to save! Never did he condemn, except the “religious” who thought they knew it all and were the only one that were saved by their own efforts.

Jesus loved genuinely. When Mary was condemned to stoning for being unfaithful, Jesus said: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ‘No one, sir,’ she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:10-11 (NIV) Jesus’ doesn’t condemn. His goal is to save. He preferred that He would be accused, so that the accusers could find real life.

Our Heavenly Father’s goal is: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17 (NIV)

What is your decision: accusing or saving?

Rob Chaffart


(To access the entire “The Helpless Heroes and the Vindictive Prideful” devotional series, please click here.)