John 3:16 is the most commonly quoted New Testament verse, for it speaks of God’s heart for reaching those who are far from Him.

“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)

This passage describes the great sacrifice that God made for our benefit. However, note that this does not say that the sacrifice was for God’s people, or for the church, but for the world. That is, it was for those who, without this sacrifice, are alienated from Him. At the right time, Christ died for the ungodly, demonstrating God’s love (Rom. 5:6-8).

In other words, God loves those who are alienated from Him.

This must be His motivation for sending us out as Jesus described, and must also demonstrate Jesus’s heart.

So then, if we are to be His disciples, we should seek for it to describe our hearts, too. This is a great place to start praying for our role in God’s plan to reach into the darkness with His light.

Father, I am in awe of the unbounded love that would move you to save people who are naturally hostile to you. I ask You to give me Your heart of love for those who don’t know You.