How can we love Jesus without seeing Him, as 1 Peter 1:8 describes? The Wonder of Loving the Unseen 1 Peter 1:8: “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” Seeing with the Eyes of Faith • Faith is a God-given capacity to perceive spiritual reality. • Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” • John 20:29: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” • Trusting His Word brings Him into clear focus even while He remains physically unseen. Anchoring the Heart in Scripture • We meet Jesus on every page of the Bible (Luke 24:27). • Regular reading, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture lets His character captivate us. • Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • The more we know Him through the Word, the more affection naturally grows. Receiving Love Poured Out by the Spirit • Romans 5:5: “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” • The Spirit makes Jesus real, warm, and near, stirring genuine love. • Prayerful dependence on the Spirit turns truth into experience. Responding with Obedience • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Each act of obedience is a practical expression of unseen love. • As we follow His lead, our intimacy deepens (John 14:21). Delighting in Worship and Joy • 1 Peter 1:8 links love, faith, and “inexpressible and glorious joy.” • Singing, giving thanks, and recounting His works fan love into flame. • Hebrews 12:2: fixing our eyes on Jesus in worship anchors joy. Loving His People • 1 John 4:20: love for the invisible Savior shows itself in love for visible brothers and sisters. • Serving the church is serving Christ (Matthew 25:40). • Shared fellowship multiplies affection for Him. Walking by Faith Daily • 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” • Simple, everyday reliance—seeking His guidance, thanking Him for provision, trusting Him in trials—keeps the heart warm toward Him. Keeping Love Fresh • Recall His past faithfulness; journal answered prayers. • Speak often of Jesus with family and friends (Malachi 3:16). • Guard against competing affections; confess and forsake sin quickly. Looking Forward to Seeing Him Face to Face • 1 John 3:2: “When He appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” • Eager hope for His return intensifies present love. • Revelation 22:20: “Come, Lord Jesus” becomes the heartbeat of an unseen yet cherished relationship. By trusting His Word, depending on His Spirit, obeying His commands, and treasuring fellowship with His people, we can love Jesus deeply—even before our eyes behold Him. |
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