The World. Whoever.
John 3:16 is such a familiar verse that it’s become easy to overlook the depth of its message. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
“The world” and “whoever” are two powerful phrases meant to paint a picture of just how vast God’s love really is. It’s an all-encompassing love that includes every person, in every place, at every moment in time.
“The world” is fallen and sinful and rejects God all the time. And God loves it and every “whoever” in it. This includes those who volunteer and serve with Kitchen One for One and those who come in need of some love and a hot meal. It includes the neighbor next door and the stranger who seems hard to love. It includes you, me, and everyone we encounter. God’s love has no limits. His invitation is extended to all. The world. Whoever.
“Whoever believes in Him” means there are no exclusions and no requirements we have to meet in order to be invited into God’s love. The word “whoever” reminds us that we’re all in the same boat. Every one of us is a “whoever” in need of a Savior. We come from different backgrounds, carry different burdens, and walk different paths, but God’s invitation is the same for all of us: Come, believe, and receive the gift of eternal life.
As we serve through Kitchen One for One, we have the opportunity to live out this truth. Each time we prepare a meal or share a kind word, we’re proclaiming, “You’re included! You are a ‘whoever’ loved by God.”
Jesus meant for His words in John 3:16 to shape how we see ourselves, the world, and the other people in it. Whether we’re serving as volunteers or we’re one of the people being served, we all share something in common. We’re all part of “the world,” we’re all a “whoever.” And because of God’s love, we all have the chance to believe and live forever in His presence.
Now, for those of us that have received this incredible gift of eternal life, we’re not only blessed but tasked with joining God on the greatest rescue mission ever. So, how is God calling you to join Him on mission?
