Come Up Here And See

One of the most common verses known throughout the western world is John 3: 16. You will see it displayed on barns, signs in a field, held up at football games etc. Almost everyone can quote that verse fully or at least partially and most of the time we do know this verse by the King James Version or the New King James Version.

• John 3: 16 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ know that verse almost as much as unbelievers but knowing the verse does not mean that we have truly grasped it all.  

However, it is verse seventeen that has gripped my heart recently.

• John 3: 17 NKJV For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

When I meditate upon that verse that God did not send His Son, Jesus to condemn the world I think of so many things such as:

Yes, the Holy Spirit will convict me,

The Holy Spirit will only draw me unto Him,

The Holy Spirit will comfort me,

The Holy Spirit will exhort and encourage me,

The Holy Spirit will never condemn me,

And the Holy Spirit will do all of this with gentleness.

Who condemns, well the enemy is constantly condemning me, whispering to me but it does seem to be loud “Well you sinned or did wrong in this situation therefore you are never good enough. You are a loser; you do not deserve the love of God and how could God ever forgive you again”. The enemy never stops lying because he is the father of all lies.

• John 8:44b TLB there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars.

Condemn definition by Cambridge Dictionary is:

• to criticize something or someone strongly, usually for moral reasons:

Upon pondering on the verse, I think of how many times I have had condemning or judgmental thoughts of not only myself but of others. When I am thinking those thoughts my tone of voice changes, my facial looks change and at times I can even feel like there is a Jekyll and Hyde going on in my body.

My church has a daily online hour prayer, and I was leading one Monday. This means I was there by myself, well not really, people were online praying as I was leading but more importantly the Holy Spirit was present. I always prepare, study for the prayer topics given, have scriptures ready, pray at home prior etc. Many times, as I am in there praying the Holy Spirit will reveal a scripture to me and to me it seems like, how did that get on my notes, I do not even remember seeing it. One scripture was revealed like a voice from heaven spoke it to me as I read it. Suddenly I started weeping because He convicted me that I have not always shared the reason for my joy, faith with gentleness and respect. Too many times in my saved life of 39 years I have shared what Jesus did for me with judgment and harshness, and even condemnation. I wept and wept and tried to pray but could only cry.

• 1 Peter 3: 15 ESV but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

The Lord was speaking to me “Lisa yes, I sent my Son to save the world because of My love but remember I did not do it with judgment or condemnation. Remember who he is who condemns. Yes, Lisa I am the Righteous Judge, but I do everything in a perfect timing.” He was bringing a revelation of His love to me so that I could give out His love to others and when condemnation thoughts or thoughts of judgment come to my mind, I would ask forgiveness from Him and pray for His heart for others.

Father, I thank you for revelations of each scripture that You bring to us. I am thankful. I pray that each one of us would spend time in Your presence asking for revelations and be thankful for the conviction that the Holy Spirit brings. I ask that You show us where we are judging others and remind us that that is not our job, that is Yours. Holy Spirit speak to us how to honour You as holy, and how we can always be ready to give a reason the hope that You gave us with gentleness, kindness, respect, and goodness. In Jesus Name, Amen

P.S. My husband gave me the title for this blog and when I wrote it down to publish it tears welled up and I started saying thank you Father for Your Unconditional Love and Lord may I always be a vessel of Your Unconditional Love. Thank you Father I trust You for this.