John 3:16-17
God So LOVES the World
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Jesus ministry and message is much about love, compassion, God and doing His will...These are central themes and ideas in His message...
When we think of love, we think of God, because God is LOVE...This is perhaps the most well-known aspect of St. John's teachings and writings...John constantly wrote about love and the LOVE of God and Jesus...Jesus preached LOVE for God, and love for neighbor (including our enemies), and self-love (in His Golden Rule)...The Gospel of John even includes the famous verse: "For God so LOVED the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."...
When we think of compassion we think of Jesus going to village to village helping other and serving others...Jesus' compassion is evident in His Teachings and His actions...He healed the sick, forgave sinners, and showed kindness to the marginalized people is society...The parable of the Good Samaritan is a classic example of His emphasis on compassion and love...
When we think of the central part of Jesus' Life was about God and doing God's Will...Following God's will is a recurring theme in the gospels...Jesus spoke of surrendering to God's Plan, even when it's very difficult, just as He did going to the Cross...When Jesus gave us His Prayer, it includes the line "Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."...
These concepts of love, compassion, and God and God's Will are interconnected...Love motivates compassion, and both are guided by following God' and His Will...