God’s Love or Condemnation?

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:17 ESV

We all struggle to find balance in our daily lives, and this is hardly more true than when it comes to our diets.

We understand that a balanced diet contains a healthy amount of protein, good fats, carbs, fresh veggies & fruits, etc. It would be unhealthy to focus merely on one of these food groups and ignore the rest; we need balance for physical health.

While reading today’s daily devotional verses, I realized the importance of spiritual balance. Here’s what I read:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

and another verse, John 3:18:

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18 ESV)

Taken alone, these verses seem almost contradictory.

John 3:16 is all about God’s love for us, while John 3:18 is about condemnation.

We can tend to forget balance when we read these two verses. Some may teach only the love, forgiveness, and endless grace of God; never mentioning sin.

Some may teach only condemnation for sins and never mention the truth of love and redemption.

Let’s take a balanced approach to this and realize that we need both of these verses as we speak to each other about God. A person will never know the astounding love of Jesus on the cross and what it means for their lives unless they realize their sins are what has separated them from God.

Understanding sin, however, never points a person to repentance unless they know there is a loving God willing to redeem them.

As you walk with others in faith, or when you speak about the Lord, keep steadiness in mind. Always point to the redemption of the cross and strive for balance in your dealings with those around you.