There is a sin behind all sins in the Christian life. It is the failure to trust and treasure the love God has for His children in Jesus above all else. There is a reason Paul begins almost every letter with “grace and peace”. He knows, above all, the reality of the Lord’s love is what the believer needs to be reminded of most. The entirety of the Christian life is made up of knowing this love that surpasses knowledge and letting it change your life. This is why John doesn’t only speak of the Lord’s love, he gives a command for His readers to eye it. To see. This is the command. You were made to linger in looking on the kind of love the Father has given.

This love sees you when you didn’t think you were seen. It calms you when you didn’t know you were angry. It assures you when you’re confused and in doubt. It holds you in the middle of anxiety. It comforts you when you’re afraid. It makes your load light when you feel overwhelmed. He doesn’t look to what you can do for Him, He displays Himself in what He’s done for you. It’s the love the Father has for His children, and that is what we are.

It’s time to stop looking for love in places that won’t satisfy and turn to trust in the love that’s freely offered. The relationship won’t be enough, the screen only distracts, the sensation lasts only a moment, attention and applause are fleeting. There is only One who is strong enough to meet your need and sweet enough to satisfy. He is the one you were made for. His name is Jesus. On the cross, He took your place as a sinner so you could have His name as a son. This is what you are: a loved child of God.

Response

Our prayer is that you would spend time seeing and savoring this reality and as you do, the love you’ve received would turn into the love you display. The world won’t know what to do with a love like this in your life. It didn’t know what to do with Jesus.

What are ways you can make a daily habit of eyeing the love of God in your life?

What is one way you can display the love you’ve received this week?