God So Loved

​The word “so” has five different uses in the English language. One use is as intensifier. An intensifier describes how strong or weak an action is.  We find this little word in John 3:16: “God SO loved the world…”
What we see here is intense love. God didn’t just have a warm feeling toward the world He created. His love is intense beyond description. It’s the love that prompts action. It has the power to create new destinies and to change the course of history. It’s the love that protects and defends.
Intense love does not count the cost of its decisions. It is based on relationship and commitment. It’s a love that will not stand by and see hope denied. It will run to the rescue — much like a mother who sees her child in danger.
Intense love emanates from the very nature of God. It is the essence of who He is. Intense love burns like a fire — and comforts like a gentle rain. Intense love keeps reaching out, defying rejection. Intense love doesn’t know when or how to stop.
“God SO loved...that He gave…” Intense love emptied heaven in order to fill human hearts with a priceless gift: God’s own Son.

Next Steps...
I will allow God to express His intense love through me to the people I encounter this week.