Read John 3:16-21

Key Verse: "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”  John 3:17.

Famous radio commentator Paul Harvey died on Sunday. He made famous the phrase “And now, here’s the rest (PAUSE) of the story.”

I remember memorizing John 3:16 in Sunday School as a kid and our teacher making sure we also included the verse 17. In a way it is “the rest of the story.” I know that I and much of the world spend too much time condemning the world and too little time saving the world through Jesus.

Here’s a cool thought. What if we spent the rest of this Lenten season with a no condemning policy? It would be a “fast” of criticizing, condemning and complaining. Of course if we eliminate those three “c’s” from our minds and our vocabulary, we’ll need something to talk about – something to think about.

So here’s the rest of that story. Let’s try being aware of any critical or condemning thoughts and behaviors. And when they come, try a replacement strategy. Replace condemning thoughts with saving thoughts. Say a little prayer. Repeat a Bible verse – like John 3:17. Or adopt a phrase you can say to yourself, like “Jesus saves”, or “God loves me.”

Indeed, God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it. And he didn’t send me, or you, here to condemn it either. Indeed! Good day!