God Loves the World

This is the first week of the second summer term of classes. I am taking two this time, so just a little stressed. The first one is new material to me, but seems interesting. I think I will like it. The other one, well, let's just say that it is the first of the post graduate classes that I haven't absolutely loved. I enjoy learning and even though the classes have been a lot of work, and taken up most of my time, I have loved it. This one frustrates me, not because I can't understand the material, but because the author of the text condemns bias in others, but is clearly biased against anyone who doesn't share his views. He doesn't seem to have a very high opinion of conservative Christians. The assignments the instructor gives ask questions about our "spirituality" and our attitudes. I am answering those questions as honestly as possible. I have explained that while some would say that I am religious, that is not the way I define myself. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ because I recognized and acknowledged my sinfulness, repented, and accept His gift of forgiveness and salvation. I have said that I want to serve Him wholeheartedly in everything I do. I have talked about having compassion for the children and the parents.  Since the classes are online, I only see pictures of the instructors. I don't have a sense of who they are. I actually wonder if these are trick questions to label me as some sort of extremist. I pray that if they don't know Jesus as their Savior,  my answers to the questions will point them to the forgiveness and relationship He offers.  Since the title of this class has to do with schooling in a pluralistic society, I have been thinking about a verse that is so familiar that we sometimes just skip over it.

John 3:16 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

The world: Not one nation over another. Not one culture over another. Not me more than you, or you more than me. He loves the world so much that Jesus died and resurrected so that we can be forgiven. He loved us when we were not lovable. Honestly, there are still times when I'm not very lovable. I'm sure the same applies to you. But God loves us.

Romans 5:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!

Everyone who believes. That gift of salvation is offered to everyone. When we believe, we have eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.

Maybe we overlook this verse because it sounds so simple. Yet it is so profound.

So as I take this class that is intended to change my view of the world, and make me more understanding of different cultures, I ask myself, "Who is more suited to change me to love the whole world than the One who truly loves the whole world?" As you watch the news, read articles, read blogs that talk about problems with prejudice and racism, with bias and lack of understanding, think about this. God so loved the WORLD and HE lives in us when we accept His gift of salvation. When His Spirit lives in us, we can love as He loved. We must yield to Him and let Him live through us. I don't need a graduate class to understand that.

(Please pray for my instructors as they read my assignments that God will speak to their hearts. And pray for me as I take this class. I really don't like it.)