By David Faust
So is such a tiny word. Even if you double it, you’re left with mediocrity. It’s only “so-so.” No one applauds a “so-so” meal or a “so-so” construction job. It’s an insult to call someone an old “so-and-so.”
Kids on the playground express their indifference and defiance by saying, “So what?” Churchgoers may ask that question, too, though usually not out loud. While the preacher talks and the worship leader sings, a part of them wonders, “Why does this matter? How does it affect my life?” Churches miss the mark if we don’t address the “so what?” question.
Jesus didn’t miss the mark. His Sermon on the Mount, for example, concludes with the memorable story about the wise and foolish builders because Jesus wanted his disciples to put his message into practice and do something about it. His sermon was a call to action, not a theoretical discourse. Reading the Bible should do more than make us think, “That’s interesting.” It should move us to ask, “So what will I do now?”
The “So” in John 3:16
The tiny word so plays a role in the much-loved verse, John 3:16. What does it mean to say, “God so loved the world”? We naturally understand those words as a reference to the extent of God’s love. He loved us “so much,” “to this degree,” or “to such an extent.” This interpretation makes sense, for on the cross, the Lord demonstrated the full extent of his love. He made the ultimate sacrifice to be reconciled with us, for he loved the world “so much.”
But in many Bible translations, John 3:16 doesn’t say “God loved us so much,” but rather, “God so loved.” The Greek word translated so in this verse (houtos) normally means “thus,” “like so,” “in this way,” or “in this manner.” John 3:16 highlights not only the amount God loved (“so much”) but especially the way he loved (“like so”)—by giving his Son to save us from perishing.
So, What Does It Mean for Us?
John 3:16 shines a spotlight on God’s far-reaching, undeserved love. What are the practical implications for us? Three responses stand out.
First, we need to receive the gift. God “gave his one and only Son,” and a gift is meant to be received. If you buy and wrap Christmas gifts for your loved ones, you don’t want them to leave the presents unopened under the tree. God graciously offers a much-needed gift. Have you received it by faith with a repentant heart and surrendered to him in baptism?
Second, we should share the gift. When international travelers go through customs in the airport, most of them pass through the area that says, “Nothing to Declare.” But Christians do have something to declare! We bear witness to God’s love not only with words, but with sacrificial actions.
Third, let’s always appreciate the gift. After years of following Christ, it’s tempting to become lukewarm; and after celebrating Christmas dozens of times, it’s easy to lose some of our enthusiasm about the holidays. But even if the season’s carols, candles, and cookies don’t send excited shivers down our spines, the lyrics of carols still remind our hearts to sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
The tone of the Christian life shouldn’t be an indifferent shrug that says, “So what?” but a grateful cry that exclaims, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
Personal Challenge: Find a way to share God’s love during this Christmas season. Visit a shut-in or a prisoner. Give an extra gift to a missionary along with a letter of encouragement. Share a meal with someone who lives alone. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, hospital, or nursing home. Write a thank-you note to a friend, a neighbor, or a volunteer at church.
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