God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. - John 3:16

Someone sent me an excellent outline of John 3:16, a verse that is often referred to as "God's miniature Bible." Here it is:

God—the greatest lover
so loved—the greatest degree
the world—the greatest company
that He gave—the greatest act
His only begotten Son—the greatest gift
that whoever believes—the greatest simplicity
in Him—the greatest person
should not perish—the greatest promise
but—the greatest difference
have—the greatest certainty
everlasting life—the greatest possession

I heard about a young girl whose mother was reading to her the third chapter of John. Pausing after verse 16, the mother exclaimed, "Don't you think that verse is amazing, dear?" The child thought and then said, "No." The mother thought the youngster must have misunderstood, so she repeated the question. But again the girl shook her head, saying, "No. It would be amazing if it were anyone else, Mother. But it's really just like God!" Indeed, the child with her simple faith had understood that the great gift of salvation could naturally be expected from a great God.

With reverent adoration, let us recognize that God, His love, and His eternal gift are naturally "the greatest."

-HGB

God loved the world of sinners, lost
And ruined by the fall;
Salvation, full, at highest cost,
He offers free to all.