For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
John 3:17 AMP
I usually accept this verse as a recipient: “Thank You, God, for offering me mercy through Jesus!”
If, however, I want to be like Christ, I need to also interpret this verse as an imitator: “God, You don’t condemn me, even though I fully deserve it. Show me how to extend that mercy to everyone around me today – especially when they don’t deserve it.“
Why does “being just” feel so good? Why am I so slow to extend Christ-like, undeserved mercy? (Really, is mercy ever deserved?) To whom is God asking me to extend His mercy today?
two.cents. 