Someone sent me an excellent outline of John 3:16, a verse that is often referred to as "God's miniature Bible." Here it is:

God—the greatest lover

so loved —the greatest degree

the world —the greatest company

that He gave —the greatest act

His only begotten Son —the greatest gift

that whoever believes —the greatest simplicity

in Him —the greatest person

should not perish —the greatest promise

but—the greatest difference

have—the greatest certainty

everlasting life —the greatest possession

I heard about a young girl whose mother was reading to her the third chapter of John. Pausing after verse 16, the mother exclaimed, "Don't you think that verse is amazing, dear?" The child thought and then said, "No." The mother thought the youngster must have misunderstood, so she repeated the question. But again the girl shook her head, saying, "No. It would be amazing if it were anyone else, Mother. But it's really just like God!" Indeed, the child with her simple faith had understood that the great gift of salvation could naturally be expected from a great God.

With reverent adoration, let us recognize that God, His love, and His eternal gift are naturally "the greatest."    — Henry G. Bosch