John 3:16 is one of the most familiar verses of scripture. Many people may have memorized it in childhood Sunday school challenges. It shows up on banners at sporting events. Conversely, John 3:17 may be one of the least familiar verses of scripture: “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

I worry that one of the reasons the church is dying is that we have forgotten John 3:17. Too many people claiming to be Christian spend too much time condemning those who believe, look, or behave differently. Too often the church’s message has been, “Do this, believe that, give up those, change these, and then God will love you.” Have we forgotten that love and non-condemnation go hand in hand?

Consider John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that God gave God’s only son” (AP). God did not wait until the world was perfect to send God’s gift of love. God became incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth precisely at a time when the world was a mess. In the same way, God loves all people just as we are—mess and all. God loves. God does not condemn. God saves.

Love. Do not condemn. Save. That would be a good action plan for the church. God loves us, no strings attached. Let us begin by loving others with no strings attached. Love people simply as they are. Rather than condemnation, let us foster curiosity that seeks understanding. When encountering difference, let us ask questions and listen. With love, without condemnation, we work to save folks—from evil, injustice, and oppression “in whatever forms they present themselves.” (UMH, no. 34).