"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." Today's Bible scripture was one of my early childhood Sunday School memory
verses -- one that I have never forgotten.
Mrs. Bang, my kind and dedicated Sunday School teacher explained to her class of small,
listening ears that this was God's great gift to all who had faith in Jesus Christ. God's
love, she said, is pure and limitless in whatever form it takes, and is available to the
entire world.
Mrs. Bang had a great gift in making the Bible real to her little charges. When she
explained that "God is Love," we felt secure, somehow understanding that
spiritual love was based on compassion and truth. Whatever problems we faced in life, past
hurts were eased and happiness returned.
Like Mrs. Bang, perhaps I also have a spiritual gift of love to offer! Could it be
service in some form to make life easier for someone with physical, mental, emotional,
financial or spiritual needs? Or might I extend joy and harmony in life by making Christ
known, through friendship and church-related activities or community outreach efforts?
Today's Bible reading tells us that faith in God through Jesus Christ is necessary for
eternal life. But I believe, too, that sharing a gift of compassion and service to others
is a wonderful extension of this faith.
