“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Galatians 2:20 beautifully complements John 3:16. In John 3:16 we read that God loved the whole world, while in Galatians 2:20 Paul makes it intensely personal: Christ loved me and gave Himself for me. God’s love is vast—big enough to cover every person on earth—yet it is also intimate, close, and personal enough to reach you individually.
The truth is that Jesus came for the world, but each of us must respond personally. Salvation is not simply a general statement of God’s love for humanity; it is the personal acceptance that Jesus died for you. Paul could boldly say, “He gave Himself for me.” Can you?
This is why many have said that even if you were the only one who needed saving, Christ would have gone to the cross for you. God’s love is immeasurable, higher than the heavens, deeper than the seas, wider than the east is from the west. Yet it is not abstract or distant. The living God Himself sees you, knows you, and loves you with a personal love.
The invitation is simple and profound: do not just believe that God so loved the world, believe and rest in the truth that He so loves you.
Lord Jesus, thank You that Your love is not only for the world but also for me. Thank You for giving Yourself on the cross so that I could be forgiven and made new. Help me to live each day trusting in You and in the truth that You see me, know me, love me, and gave yourself for me. Amen.