One lesson that I have learned over the past several years is that the Lord loves us.  Really loves us.  Probably make some theologian angry, but I perceive that as His primary characteristic.  God loves the world and he loves me.  There's knowing and then there's knowing, isn't there?  Hard times come, hard times go, hard times return, the constant: God loves us and sent His Son to die for us...amazing grace!

Inexplicably lost my brother to a bleeding brain stem (inoperable) about 2 1/2 years ago.  Came home to find out that our middle son was arrested for "selling" drugs in a drug-free zone.  He passed away on our couch the next year one week before Christmas (at age 21) due to "an overdose of pain medication."  Colin was in and out of rehab prior to his death and asked for my forgiveness (and the Lord's)on our last trip home from a rehab center.  If the fellow from 1 Corinthians 5 repented, then I believe that my son did so as well.

When I look at Jesus in the Bible, I see Someone who demonstrated His love for everyone He came in contact with, even with His enemies.  He agonized over Jerusalem.  He forgave the thief on the cross, while He was going through extreme agony and was soon to be separated from the Father for the first time in eternity.  Many of those who cried "crucify Him" were reborn on Pentecost when  Peter preached His forgiveness.  Yes, His wrath must be satisfied; but, He did His part because He loves us.

Going to compare Nicodemus to the "woman at the well" this morning.  The best and the brightest in Israel, one of the ruling Sanhedrin to the lowest of the low, a Samaritan and woman to boot.  Jesus loved them both.  At the time, Nicodemus didn't get the blatantly plain message that Jesus was teaching him, but the woman did.  "...Jesus loves them all...Every color...They are precious in His site...Jesus loves..."

The "woman at the well" went forth, not knowing she needed a theology degree to tell the gospel (tongue firmly implanted in cheek).  You probably know a bit more of the Good News than she does.  What are you doing to tell the love of Jesus?