Though you have not seen him, you love him

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory" (1 Peter 1:8)

Peter is encouraging persecuted believers to be comforted by the knowledge of their heavenly Father. Peter, in this case, is shepherding them to their heavenly Shepherd. In this verse, he reminds them that they love their Father even though they don't see him. They more than just love him—they rejoice with inexpressible joy. Why does Peter remind them of this? Because the world has become so ugly and so dominant in their lives. When the world screams every moment that it, not God, is real, believers can really begin to doubt. God, who we don't see, can become a nice idea that worked when all was well. But Peter reminds them that their belief is real and reliable. How does their belief appear? As love and joy. This is the durable stuff that holds up under pressure.

1. Have you ever been tempted to wonder why you even believe when things in your life are going badly?

2. How would nurturing your love for the living God help in those times? Do you cultivate your love for him? Do you remind yourself that you can be filled with joy over your God who also loves you?

3. What steps can you take today to begin nurturing a deeper, more joyful love for your Father in heaven?

-- Charlie