Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:7–8 (NLT)
An experience I had with my son one day opened my eyes to the depth of God’s love.
Years ago, my son, Zach, and I were walking across a bridge in the spring. He was young, so I warned him about the dangers of the melting ice and freezing waters swirling below. Suddenly, Zach gripped the bridge railing and hoisted himself up for a better look. My heart leapt into my throat as I jumped to grab him.
He was fine, but that moment made me stop and think. What would I have done if he had fallen? It was a sobering thought because I started to reflect on how much I love all of my kids and the lengths I’d go to save them. But what if it were someone I didn’t know or had no chance of saving?
That’s when God began to speak to me about the immense depth of His love for us. A lot of people probably wouldn’t dive off of a bridge to die for a stranger or someone who doesn’t want to be saved.
But Jesus did. He died for people who mocked, beat and crucified Him. He died for every soul who has ever lived—even those who reject Him.
Why did Christ sacrifice His life for people who wouldn’t ever love Him back? He valued them and was willing to do anything to save them. That’s love.