John 3:16 KJV
[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The world has its own version of events. It has its definitions of concepts and ideas. It preents love as an action, and it manifests in many ways. A few of these manifestations are actually selfish lusts, inordinate desires, and outright sin, but because it is widespread and also in line with our fallen human nature, it has become the default setting for many people. The fact that something is popular does not, by itself, make it right with God. The fact that films, books and culture say a thing is acceptable does not make it any less a sin. It must also be noted that the world's view is always about what it can get; never about what it can give.
God also has His own definitions. The focus of the view from heaven is what is presented to us in the verse above. The first thing that is made clear is that God's definition of love is about what He gave, leading to what He would then get. He did not wait for the targets of His love to first be worthy; He knew they needed help, so He reached out His hand to draw them to Himself. He did not just give anything that was easy to forgo; He gave up His own Son. He did not also give up His Son grudgingly; He gave Him up willingly. Reflect on this: part of the price of love was that the Father would look away from the Son as the Son hung on the cross.
What makes this even more important is that the Omniscient God knew that some would reject this gift to the end of their earthly lives, yet He gave up His Son anyway. There were no guarantees from my side that I would accept the gift, but He offered it anyway, and for as long as this earthly phase remains, this gift will not expire. Reflect on the fact that long before I was born, the gift was already offered. However, it must be emphasized that physical death is the end of the gift for all of mankind; it is appointed unto man once to die, and after death comes judgement. If the Lord tarries, the gift remains in place, effective and efficient as it was when it was first offered.
Why was such a high price paid? As it has been mentioned above, God's love did not wait for me to earn it; He showed me love at a time that I did not even know that I needed it. He also waits for me to step into that which He has given. The benefits that are tied to God's love also make it worthwhile: there is eternal life at the end, but there is a lifetime of impact while I wait. The fact that I am not taken to heaven as soon as I am saved means that there are benefits down here on earth to prepare me for the fullness that heaven gives. Rejecting this gift has eternal consequences. Do not reject the gift of love that the God of love has given; He waits for you and I. God's time of favour is here.
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