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This isnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t a subject I normally would write about for From the Editoròòò½ÊÓƵ™s Chair, but since this is Holy Week and Sunday is Easter, I felt compelled to do so, and that it would be appropriate. I speak of the love of Jesus Christ, and what exactly this week means to everyoneòòò½ÊÓƵ”not simply Christians.

Of course, the verse that many are familiar with and one that is often quoted is John 3:16, which reads, òòò½ÊÓƵœFor God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.òòò½ÊÓƵ� But then many people stop there and donòòò½ÊÓƵ™t remember what is said in John 3:17:

òòò½ÊÓƵœFor God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.òòò½ÊÓƵ� Thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s powerful, and it tells me that not only does God love all people through the grace and mercy Godòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Son showed on the Cross on Good Friday, but that He desires a relationship with everyone.

Second Peter 3:8-9 reads, òòò½ÊÓƵœThe Lord is now slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing any should perish, but all should reach repentance.òòò½ÊÓƵ�

As Pastor Michael Graff put it, òòò½ÊÓƵœHeòòò½ÊÓƵ™s not offering you guilt. Heòòò½ÊÓƵ™s offering you grace.òòò½ÊÓƵ�

I know personally of Godòòò½ÊÓƵ™s grace and mercy, and I am extremely grateful that He doesnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t have a long memory. If I tried to reach Heaven through my own good works, I would never make it. Thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s what makes what Jesus did on the Cross so crucial in the lives of every human being.

Jesus willingly offered himself as a sacrifice and took the punishment for our sins. This act of love and selflessness is the ultimate expression of Godòòò½ÊÓƵ™s grace. But then there are many more.

Last Sunday at my church, Palm Sunday, the Kids Life group got up on stage to worship Jesus. I sat in awe as many of these children raised their hands and their voices to God for his goodness. I couldnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t help but think about the next generation and how many of these children are in love with God. It really warmed my heart.

But what really got to me was the testimony of three of those childrenòòò½ÊÓƵ”all of whom had been healed of some sort of affliction that could have proven overwhelming for each child and their families. One had developed a growth on his body that he said was life threatening. The church family and those in Kids Life prayed for him and he was supernaturally healed.

One child had been born deaf, and every Sunday her parents would bring her to receive prayer and to become anointed with oil. God also supernaturally healed her. Yet another child was born with four holes in his heart and contracted pneumonia. His parents were told by doctors he was not expected to survive, but God healed him as well. He is autistic, so being able to be on stage and testify Sunday is an amazing testimony to Godòòò½ÊÓƵ™s grace and mercy.

Luke 18:27 reads, òòò½ÊÓƵœAll things are possible for those who believe. Jesus replied, òòò½ÊÓƵ˜What is impossible with man is possible with God.òòò½ÊÓƵ™òòò½ÊÓƵ�

No matter whether or not you are a believer in Jesus Christ, know one thingòòò½ÊÓƵ”Jesus loves you. Remember the old childrenòòò½ÊÓƵ™s song, òòò½ÊÓƵœJesus loves you, this I know. For the Bible tells me so.òòò½ÊÓƵ� It is why we celebrate this wonderful weekòòò½ÊÓƵ”what He did on the Cross and how he overcame death in the days following.

On that, you can rest assured. Happy Holy Week, and Happy Easter to all of you.