“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us,
and His love is brought to full expression in us.” – 1 John 4:12 (NLT)
Can you recall a time when someone told you, “I see your grandfather or grandmother in you!” or “You do that just like your dad or mom”? When people notice our face, mannerisms or sense of humor, they may see little echoes of our family in us. Can you remember comments like these?
As we follow Jesus Christ, with our lives saved and surrendered to Him, the attributes that define Him will start revealing themselves in us. We are being remade in His likeness, our hearts undergo an overhaul, a remodel...We are made new in Him.
So, it’s natural that as our lives have been influenced by the love of God, that His same love would pour out from us. We can love now that we have been loved. We don’t have to see Him to know this or to do it because we are known by Him in our hearts. And as we grow in Him, His love becomes more present in our life and interactions with others.
Jesus said that people would recognize we are His disciples when we obey Him and when we love one another. Knowing God means knowing His love. Being loved by God is more than we can contain, and loving others in return is the natural response to living in His perfect love.
“We are being remade in His likeness, our hearts get an overhaul, a remodel...We are made new in Him.”
Tip of the Day
In your daily prayer time, ask the Lord to help you see ways you can love others well.
Prayer
Father, I know You loved me first so I can love others in the same way. Jesus, Your example of sacrificial love and Your servant’s heart need to echo more deeply in my life. Help me love more like You, and to do so according to Your Word. In Your name, amen.
Pause and Reflect
Reflect on the idea of being remade in the likeness of Jesus. How has your understanding of love evolved as a response to God’s perfect love in your life?
How can you express the love of God more intentionally in your interactions with others?
In what specific ways can you recognize and cultivate the attributes of Jesus, especially His sacrificial love and servant’s heart, in your daily life as you seek to love others well?
