Written on this cross is John 3:16. I found it in the woods on the island of Kauai where it was tied to a tree. If you are new to the world and grew up in a cave the verse says, “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.

So what does this really mean? So what if God sent His son? I mean I’m not playing this down, but I really wonder if people know what this involved. God sent His son to die, but He really sent Him so that WE could live. The point of Jesus’ death was to give us a chance to accept His love and kindness, so that we could be the recipients of an unending grace and mercy. The love that is offered to us is truly greater than anything we can ever experience. We can’t even begin to love anyone the way God loves us.

If God loves us without regret or expectation to receive something then shouldn’t we? I recently volunteered at a homeless shelter here in town where I experienced a great picture of God’s love. Whitney and I made 8 pounds of dry spaghetti  as part of a church effort to feed the people at the shelter. We fed about 150 portions and it was encouraging to see their thankfulness.

Moving on…After we fed them Whitney and I were leaving. As I walked towards the exit this little girl run up to me. As she ran up to me I noticed how dirty she was, but the only thing that I could focus on was her smile that seemed to brighten up the whole room. She ran right to me and hugged me. It was the most innocent display of love that I have experienced in quite sometime. This little girl displayed a love that only comes from God. She didn’t expect anything in return. She simply wanted me to know how grateful she was. I was so moved by this love because it reminded me that there can be so much beauty in this world. With all the wars and violence in the world there is still enough love to brighten a room or brighten up my heart.

I am inspired to love without expecting anything. After all, it is how we have been loved by the One who died for us. The One who sent His only Son to Die not because of what it did for Him, but what it did for us. Seek out the innocent and beautiful love of our Savior.