God is love. We've probably heard these words, but do we understand what they mean? John 3:16 tells us that because the Father loves us so deeply, He sent His Son into the world to live as a man and save us by dying for us. This is not a superficial love.

However, some people question Christ's sacrifice. They think: the Lord could have devised a different way to save us. He is God, so shouldn't He be able to do all things? They do not consider two of His immutable attributes.

First, God is holy by nature. This means that he cannot condone sin. Second, He is just. As a result, all sin, without exception, must be punished (Romans 6:23). No one can attain to God's perfect holiness (Romans 3:23). But our heavenly Father desires an eternal relationship with us, so He provided the solution by sending His Son into the world to live as a man and then die on the cross. This is the ultimate expression of love. As 1 John 4:10 says, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

Have you accepted God's gift of salvation?

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, there are times when I cannot understand your great and deep love for mankind. There are times when I can only raise my hands to heaven and thank you for so much love. Teach me to receive your love, without questioning, without trying to understand it, just accepting it. Thank you, Father, because your Love became a person and has a name, which is above every name, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

1.    John 3:16-17 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.