Digging Deeper: Fully Satisfied in You
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:16-17 (ESV)
FULLY SATISFIED IN YOU
I ended yesterday’s devotional with this phrase and wanted to expand on it: If Jesus fully satisfied God by dying on the cross, then God can never be dissatisfied in you.
These verses are some of the most well-known and often-quoted in Scripture, and for good reason. They tell us something absolutely life-changing about God’s character and His heart for humanity. But as familiar as these words may be, it’s sometimes hard to truly let them sink in. This passage reminds us that God loves us so much that He would send His Son. It tells us that Jesus was sent not to condemn the world. Yet, if we’re honest with ourselves, this can be the easiest truth to understand but the hardest truth to live in.
The first part of this passage tells us that God so loved the world. This is not just a passing, casual love. This is a deep, sacrificial love. God’s love is not merely a feeling; it is a love that moves Him to action. We often think of love as an emotion, something that we feel in our hearts. But God’s love is not an emotion—it’s a love that does something. God loved us so deeply that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world, not merely to feel love for us, but to take on human flesh and enter into our pain, suffering, and brokenness.
This is the kind of love that doesn’t sit idly by. It doesn’t just say, “I love you,” and leave it at that. No, this love acts. It moves. It gives. And ultimately, it sacrifices. God’s love for us was so great that He gave up His Son, sending Jesus to live among us, to teach us, and to die for us.
When you think about your own life and the things you hold dearest—the people or things you love most—would you be willing to give them up for someone else? It’s one thing to love a friend or family member; it’s another thing to love someone so much that you would offer your most precious possession for their sake. This is the depth of God’s love for us. He sent His Son not just to live among us, but to be the very sacrifice we needed to be restored to Him.
Verse 17 brings a truth that is both comforting and challenging. The world is full of condemnation—self-condemnation, condemnation from others, and the constant pressure to measure up to expectations. We are surrounded by voices that accuse us, whether those voices come from within or from others. Yet, God’s purpose in sending Jesus was not to condemn us. Jesus didn’t come to point fingers at our failures, remind us of our shortcomings, or expose our sins. He came to save us. He came to restore us, to bring healing, to offer forgiveness, and to show us a love we could never earn but that was freely given.
In the midst of life’s demands, it’s easy to think that God is standing in judgment, looking at us with disappointment or frustration. We think, “I haven’t done enough; I’ve failed again; I’m not measuring up.” But remember: Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. In fact, when Jesus interacted with people in the Gospels, He was often criticized for spending time with the very people society condemned—tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. He didn’t join in the condemnation; He extended grace, forgiveness, and an invitation to life.
Jesus’ mission wasn’t to point out the ways we fall short. It was to show us the way to be reconciled to God and to be made whole again. He came to heal the broken, save the lost, and restore what was lost. When we trust in Him, we experience that restoration. Our sins are forgiven, our guilt is removed, and our identity is transformed—from guilty sinner to beloved child of God.
Maybe you’re a parent who’s already at the end of your rope this holiday season. You’ve had a tough few months, and the pressures of life, family, and work have left you exhausted. Maybe you’ve made mistakes, said things you regret, or failed to meet your own expectations. Maybe you’ve been beating yourself up, constantly feeling like you’re not good enough.
If that’s you, I want to encourage you with a reminder from this passage: God’s love is not dependent on your performance. Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn you for your shortcomings. He came to save you, redeem you, and restore you. The truth of God’s love isn’t just about how He feels toward you in your best moments—it’s about what He did for you when you were at your worst.
Sellers Hickman serves as College Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their one year old, Emery. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.