Love at first sight
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)
What does it take to love something or someone without seeing them? We can get excited before tasting a sweet treat by the looks of its decadence. We have tasted the goodness of similar items in the past and so we go on in confidence that this also is equal to our experience. Sometimes we are rewarded in our faith and sometimes we are disappointed. I was quite excited as a teen to go to a Beatles concert. I had never been to a concert, but I had the records that helped me love what they sang. The concert was a disappointment though, the Beatles were too far away to see clearly, and the screams from the other teens around me blocked out their music.
We often hear the words, ‘It was love at first sight’ as someone talks about their romance. Or we may fall deeply in love with that furry pet at first sight, or maybe that piece of clothing in the store. Jesus was known personally by his disciples and followers of his time on earth, but the time came when he returned to the Father to continue his work here on earth in a different manner. The new disciples who came after his return to the Father had to trust in the telling of his presence. They had neither seen nor heard him, yet they loved him. As I think about it, I did not meet him personally as the disciples did, and yet I came to love him. What a welcome addition he makes to my life.
I remember picking up the church magazine for the first time. It was the last edition of what was called The World Tomorrow. I do not remember what it said on the cover now, but it was a beacon of hope in my shattered world. I asked about it and was given a copy, I almost danced all the way home. I was so excited. That was my call into a new world of hope and true love. Over the years I began to know Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit. They never disappoint me; their love is so unconditional. Could you call this love at first sight? Though I did not see him as Peter mentioned in his letter, I loved him and trusted him. This was not something I came to do on my own, for I did not know he existed at the time. No, this was his work within me.
He is at work within us all, even if we do not realise it at the time. Where were you at your first recognition of his love for you? Things were not always perfect in my world, I have had a lot of trials and troubling times like we all do, but God was always there to give me support and to hold my hand. He is always there for us all; we just need to trust in his support and take it. Reach out and call his name if you have not done so before, and if you have, call again. He is always listening, always nearby. He answered my call, and I have not been disappointed. He will answer yours!
Prayer
God of all mercy, thank you for entering my life and allowing me to know you are there; you are always there, and your love is deep for us all. I praise you in Jesus’s Name! Amen.
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
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