Redeeming Joy

Redeeming Joy

One of the best-known Bible verses is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Typically, we understand this to mean, God loved the world, “so much.”

That idea isn't entirely wrong, but in the Hebrew “so that” means “for the purpose/ in order that / to indicate a looking to the aim or intended result.” This is the very core of the Gospel!

God loved the world enough to come in human form "so that” (in order – for the purpose of – with the intend result or aim) that anyone who believes in Him will be saved from sin and have eternal life. This is the Good News of Christ’s redeeming joy.

Over the years one of my greatest blessings, in being involved in the ministry of the Women’s Refuge, is seeing the visible and profound difference on the faces of those who come to saving faith in Christ as they experience his redeeming joy. As we move from Christmas to a New Year, I want to thank each of you for your continued support of the Women’s Refuge where we are blessed to offer the Good News of his “redeeming joy” to women, men, and families through counseling, Bible studies, support groups, and our residential program.

Without people like you who offer your prayers, your financial support, and your service we would not be able to share the Good News of his redeeming joy year-round.

May God bless you in this New Year.

Becky Calahan
Women's Refuge Board Director