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.