God's Love Must Prevail

The growth of God's word in all the earth is closely linked to he ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Like the ransom, the preaching work is an expression of Jehovah's love for people everywhere.  The apostle John  was inspired to write:  "God love the world [of mankind} so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." -John 3:16.

Think about the love Jehovah showed in providing the ransom. For aeons, God had enjoyed a close relationship with his cherished, only-begotten Son, "the beginning  of the creation by God." (Revelation 3:14) Jesus loves his Father deeply, and Jehovah loved his Son "before the founding of the world."  (John 14:31; 17:24) Jehovah allowed this beloved Son to undergo death so that humans might receive everlasting life. What an awe-inspiring expression of love for humankind!   

John 3:17 states:  "God sent forth his Son into the world, not for him to judge the world, but for the world to be saved through him."  Thus, Jehovah sent his Son on a loving mission of Salvation, not one of judgment or condemnation.  This harmonizes with Peter's words:  "[Jehovah] does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance." -2 Peter 3:9.

Having provided the legal basis for salvation at great cost to himself, Jehovah wants as many as possible to take advantage of it.  The apostle Paul wrote: "Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.' However, however will  they call on him in whom they have not put faith?  How, in turn, will they put faith in him of whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? -Romans 10:13, 14.

What a wonderful privilege it is to share in this global preaching and teaching work! It is not an easy work, yet how Jehovah rejoices when he observes his people faithfully living the truth and sharing the good news with others! So whatever your circumstances are, let God's spirit and the love in your heart motivate you to share in this work. And remember that what we see being accomplished worldwide gives convincing evidence that Jehovah God will soon fulfill his promise to usher in the glorious  "new heavens and a new earth" in which "righteousness  is to dwell.-2 Peter 3:13.

Next time:  Do You feel Misunderstood? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001