Cookie Crumbs
Delightfully loved ones, if He loved us with such tremendous love, then "loving one another" should be our way of life! No one has ever gazed upon the fullness of God's splendor. But if we love one another, God makes His permanent home in us, and we make our permanent home in Him, and His love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:11-12
Insight
Why do kids believe in Santa Claus, even when they can't see him? One reason is that kids can see tangible evidence of Santa's rumored character all around them during the holiday season. When kids come across crumbled remains of cookies on Christmas morning, they figure that Santa is who they've been told he is: a big guy with a sweet tooth. When they find presents under the tree, they conclude that he must be just as generous as people claim.
Thankfully, our God is not some fantastical holiday myth. Though, just like Santa, we don't get to see Him face-to-face (at least on this side of heaven). So, how do we know He's real? There is evidence of God all around us, like cookie crumbs. Facts of nature and science lead us to conclude that God exists and that He is good. Though, one of the most powerful forms of evidence for God resides in the context of our relationships.
As Jesus followers, we declare that God's Spirit lives in us. At the same time, we claim that God is forgiving, compassionate, and ever-patient. If both things are true, we should express God's character in our relationships. The way we love people should prove that God is real and who we claim He is. When people witness how we treat others (especially our enemies), God becomes visible.
We catch glimpses of God's existence, evidenced in creation and the redemption of our circumstances. But the reality of God is only fully expressed when we love one another the way that He has loved us.
If we tell kids that Santa has a sweet tooth, but the cookies set out on Christmas Eve are left untouched, how can they trust that what they've heard about Santa is true? In the same vein, if we tell non-believers that God is good, gentle, and non-judgmental, but we treat them harshly, how can they trust that what we've told them about God is true?
You can argue about apologetics all day long and not convince non-believers of a thing. What serves as the most significant proof of God's existence is when His pervasive, counter-cultural, reckless love expresses itself through us.
Reflection
How can you leave evidence of God's love as you interact with others today?
Have other believers further convinced you that God is who He says He is simply by loving you well? How can you mimic their example?
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me the opportunity to make You known by simply loving those around me. Remind me that how I conduct myself in any relationship is consequential. My actions can serve as evidence of Your character and even Your existence. Or, my actions can give people one more reason to doubt You. Lord, forgive me when I misrepresent You in my efforts toward others. Help me to accept Your forgiveness and take the next right step. Today, show me how to leave behind evidence for You as I encounter the children You love. Amen.
Port City writer Kate Redenbaugh wrote today's devotional.