Though You Have Not Seen Him, You Love Him
Date: May 9, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (NIV): 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV): "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."
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Dear Lord, help me to understand the depth of joy that comes from knowing and believing in You, even when I can't physically see You. Open my heart to receive the fullness of joy that comes from the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: This passage was written by the apostle Peter to encourage early Christians who were facing persecution. Peter emphasizes the unseen yet deeply felt relationship believers have with Jesus Christ. He reminds them that their faith in Jesus, even though they haven't physically seen Him, brings them great joy and assurance of salvation.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Inexpressible and glorious joy": Emphasizes the profound and indescribable nature of the joy that comes from faith in Christ.
"Receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls": Highlights the ultimate goal and outcome of faith - salvation and eternal life with God.
S - Summarize and Share:
Picture yourself in the shoes of those early Christians whom Peter was addressing. They faced persecution and challenges that tested the very core of their faith. Yet, in the middle of their struggles, Peter reminds them—and us—of a remarkable reality: our unseen, yet deeply felt connection with Jesus Christ.
Imagine, though you've never physically seen Jesus, your heart is filled with a love for Him that surpasses understanding. It's like a radiant flame burning within, illuminating the darkest corners of your soul with the warmth of His presence. This love isn't a fleeting emotion; it's a steadfast anchor, grounding you in the midst of life's storms.
Now, consider the joy that springs forth from this intimate relationship with Christ. It's not just any joy—it's inexpressible and glorious. It's the kind of joy that bubbles up from deep within, overflowing into every aspect of your life. It's a joy that defies logic and transcends circumstances—a joy rooted in the unshakeable hope found in Jesus.
And what about faith? It's the cornerstone of this transformative journey. It's the unwavering belief that despite what your eyes may see or your ears may hear, Jesus is real, and He is with you. It's the assurance that your faith is not in vain, but rather, it's the pathway to the salvation of your soul.
As you study these verses, let them sink deep into your heart. Let them remind you that your faith in Jesus is more precious than gold and that your love for Him brings a joy that nothing in this world can extinguish. Embrace this truth, hold it close, and let it infuse every moment of your life with hope, love, and inexpressible joy.
Bible Cross References:
Romans 8:24-25 (NIV)
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)