2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Consider the word even in this verse. It is in the Greek the word kai. It is a place holder, used to connect the subject of one part to the subject of another part of a sentence. In this case God being the same subject as Father. In the NIV the word is interpreted as and but kai also means, also, indeed and but.

Languages and translations from the originals can be very confusing. This is even more difficult when translating Hebrew and much of the understanding is specific to a people at a specific time in their history. An understanding of who is reading these letters and what their recent history also reveals a better understand since it does not relate to the present day reader.

Consider that the first century Corinthians were a people that were subject to a high degree of polytheism. The Greek word kai would have been used to identify and single out the One true God. Paul was about to address characteristics of God which in a polytheistic view might have been confusing as polytheists attributed singular characteristics to different gods. The word kai made a connection that clarified a localized issue that is not a major concern in today’s context, but in an effort to be accurate in translation revisionists render one of these Greek meanings into syntax that allows for the sentence to be read with as little misunderstanding as possible.

Herein lies the problem, there will always be people like me that ask the question; “Why was the word even included if there is but One God?” I will admit that these types of questions do not come up often but when they do, I’d like to have an answer that doesn’t sound made up or silly. One who asks questions with sincerity deserves a serious answer. If their faith is wavering, that faith needs to be anchored.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:16 has been quoted so much that even the skeptics, atheists, and non-Christian believers all know what it says. This verse has been lost in the light of that bright shining star. It does however carry with it an important message if we are to just listen to it on its own merit.

Read “the world” as everyone. For God sent not his Son to condemn everyone; but that everyone through him might be saved. That is an inclusive statement. It does not target any one group, we are all included.

Because I live in a capitalist country, I see commercials in use everywhere. Commercials target likely buyers. Focus groups identify likely buyers for a product and write their advertising to attract the interests of that target audience. It is a good business model to allocate advertising budgets so that you get the most return on investment.

I also live in the Kingdom of God. My target audience is everyone. I don’t get to look at people and say it is not worth my time to invest in this person. My call is to scatter the seed everywhere without regard as to where the seed falls. I don’t get the luxury of saving my efforts for a target audience because God’s word is not exclusive, it is inclusive.

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

The law judges and I am no longer sold under the law, I am free to love all equally, that all might get to hear the truth, that Christ died for everyone.

Love your neighbor, Christ does.