What does love motivate you to do (John 3:16)
It could be said that John 3:16 is one of the most quoted and recognizable verses of scripture in the Bible. It can be seen on bulletin boards while traveling on the highway. It is displayed on signs at athletic events. It is seen in a number of other locales.
Simply put, it is easily one of the most quoted and recognizable verses from the Bible. While it is only one verse of scripture, its connotation has significant meaning for adherents to the Christian faith.
It’s extremely powerful in and of itself. It goes without saying that if one happened to be in a low state of mind, one could utilize this verse of scripture as a boost for one’s self. Just think about what’s listed in that verse of scripture.
It begins by referring to the God of Creation and talks about God’s love for the entire world. Notice, it did not exclude anyone but included all. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV).
That’s a mouthful to say the least! We are not talking about just anyone. We are referring to the greatest and most powerful entity ever. And to think that this entity was benevolent enough to consider the plight of humanity and offer nothing less than God’s best. This clearly is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive.
While we all love to receive gifts from time to time, again no gift comes remotely close to the one that has been offered to humanity from God. No matter how expensive the gift is, nothing compares to what God did. And, it was motivated by a phrase that we
often use either appropriately or inappropriately, that is love.
It’s easy to say, “I love you.” It’s easy to for one to open one’s mouth and say those three powerful words.” But, as many have heard stated in times past, one’s actions must also coincide with what one verbalizes. God did that for humanity in no uncertain times when Jesus Christ was offered up for the sins of humanity.
God proved God’s love for us and no one can ever negate God’s love for us. Love motivated God to do what God did for humanity. It was sincere love that
moved God to send God’s best into this life to encounter all that humanity has to encounter long enough to do what was necessary to redeem humanity back to God. The motivation behind this act was nothing more than love.
Now, as you drive down the highway and notice John 3:16 or find yourself watching a television program and happen to see a sign or banner with John 3:16 printed on it, I would like to encourage you to remember that this verse of scripture is one of the most powerful ones that you could ever encounter.
Motivation plays a big part in everything that we do. It played a significant part in what God did for humanity and will continue to serve its purpose for humanity. I have previously mentioned that the “I Love You” phrase has been used appropriately
at times and inappropriately at other times. That’s a giving. Still, as long as there are humans living it will be uttered to one another regardless. The key thing to remember is when you are uttering it or having it uttered to you, try to determine what the motive is. Sometimes it is a sincere motive with no negative connotation whatsoever. At other times
there is clearly an ulterior motive in place and the person or persons utilizing the phrase does not really mean or understand the significance behind what he or she or they are saying.
Actions do speak louder than words and Jesus exemplified this concept while he lived in this life. After God had displayed God love to humanity by offering to humanity God’s best in the form of Jesus, Jesus then extended that gift through his ministry. One of the premiere teachings left for all to embrace is Jesus’ concept of love. He just like God
the Father gave of himself unselfishly and extended his love without conditions.
Love was the motivating factor for Jesus Christ as well. On countless occasions he proved beyond a shadow of doubt that his love was sincere and often given without merit. But again, love was given not because it was warranted but because of
the giver’s initiative. What an excellent example we have through Jesus’ ministry with humanity. Recall what Jesus said to his disciples in John 15:13, “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Yes, Jesus sacrificial death was motivated by love.
Now we looked at John 3:16 from the standpoint of God the Father and God the Son. There’s yet one more example of how God’s love has made provision for humanity through God the Holy Spirit. Here is yet another gift for all who would accept the teachings of God.
The gift comes to us via John 14:15-17. I am referring to the passage of scripture which states, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Sprit of
truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he live with you and will be in you.” (NIV).
Brothers and sisters, we have encountered through scripture three examples of how love motivated God to act on our behalf. Now, let’s shift to ourselves. The shift can be made simply by asking the question, “What does love motivate you to do?” We have
clear-cut examples of what it can motivate one to do through the passages of scripture that I have referenced earlier.
Each of us has to decide first of all what true love is then we must begin to act out that love in our everyday interactions with those in our sphere of influence and beyond.
Let’s think about the question. Let’s process the deductions that we arrive at and then begin to actively engage in proactive ways that mirror or reflect what God did for humanity through John 3:16.
If you sincerely love something or someone, what does that love motivate you to do? Our actions after the fact will determine whether our motives are pure or not. Simply to utter the phrase “I love you” to God and to other human beings will not be sufficient.
If we truly love God and humankind, our love for God and humankind should motivate us positive ways. Our love will be revealed in all that we say and do. It will even revealed it in how we respond to certain situations.
Remember, the examples are in place. While I only mentioned a few scriptural references, there are countless others that are helpful as it relates to love and how our love should motivate us to respond and act toward God and others.
If nothing else, take time out today and reflect on the fact that God did something for each of us that we could have never done for ourselves and let that serve as a motivating factor for us to extend back to God and humanity that which we have received.
The same question that Jesus posed to Peter in John 21:15-17 could apply to us this day. We all have responsibilities and obligations both to God and to one another to display the same characteristics that God displayed to us through God’s gift of Jesus and
the Holy Spirit.
I encourage each of us to be motivated by love in all that we do!
