Many of us can recite John 3:16 by heart—“For God so loved the world…”—but do you know what comes next? I’ll never forget a moment about 15 years ago in my old pastor’s living room. My cousin Dave and I were talking with him about Bible memorization, and he asked me: “Do you know John 3:17?”
I froze. I knew John 3:16 perfectly, but John 3:17? I drew a blank. That question has stuck with me all these years. (For those who don’t know it, go look it up—it’s powerful.)
Later, both my cousin and I would go on to teach the Word of God—he in Glasgow, and I in the U.S. and Scotland. And that moment taught me something: sometimes the verses that don’t get the spotlight are just as life-changing as the ones we already know by heart.
The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians of this same truth. In 1 Corinthians 12, he spoke about the Church being one body with many parts, each part essential and designed by God. Then he moved right into chapter 13—the famous “love” chapter. The order was not accidental; it was Spirit-inspired. First comes the call to find your place in the body, then the reminder that everything must be done in love.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
Friend, if you are in Christ, you have a calling. Maybe you’ve already discovered it; maybe you’re still figuring it out. Either way, work diligently where God has placed you, and pray for others who are seeking their place in the body. There is so much kingdom work to be done, and God has gifted you uniquely for it.
👉 Talk to your church leaders.
👉 Get involved in serving.
👉 Use your gifts faithfully and in love.
Don’t stop at John 3:16—go deeper, live out John 3:17, and embrace your place in the body of Christ.
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