Daily Devotion

Tuesday, January 20, 2026  

Today's Scripture
John 3:16–21

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” (NRSV)

The first line of today’s passage is familiar to most Christians. Non-Christians might remember seeing the citation “John 3:16” in many places, including on placards at televised football games. It boils down the essence of Christianity in a way that makes professional editors jealous.

But there are times when this great, clear distillation might not be helpful when we try to live out God’s love in the world. It’s very black and white. It might leave us with a simple yes/no answer about our feelings about good and evil. Many people (and I’m certain many of you readers) have more complicated opinions about God and God’s relationship with people. Also, Christian people’s relationship with people. Opinions that can’t fit on a bumper sticker.

The full passage, though, provides the more complete image of a loving creator. A God who gives us second and third and ninety-ninth chances to come into the light, at his invitation. God didn’t send Jesus to the world to condemn it. God created the world. God created us. Of course, God wants what’s best for us.

Throughout scripture, God sends “lifelines” to the Israelites to reject darkness and enter light. While John 3:16 distills God’s plan of salvation, the rest of scripture reveals the fuller story, the constant efforts by God to bring people into the light. God is just, and slow to anger, and above all loves us. Enjoy verse 16 as the highlight reel or the Cliff’s Notes version when you need a pick-me-up; remember all of scripture when you have the time and desire to work your brain muscles.

Prayer

Dearest creator, keep my mind and soul focused on the fact that you love us, and may all my spiritual study, wherever it might lead, remind me of that. Amen.  

Written by Jim Garner, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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