Devotional: Through the Eyes of Love

While leading a Bible study group, years ago, I sent the women home with an assignment. I asked them to reach out to at least five friends or family members–people they knew and not just casual acquaintances. They were to ask each person the same question: “List three positive words that describe something about me.”

Some women were bashful about asking this question even when they believed the answers would be favorable, while others were curious about what others might say. We had a light-hearted discussion about the possible words that would be used, and everyone was excited to return the next week with their lists in hand.

The following week, the women were eager to talk about the responses they received. Most of them were shocked that people had such good things to say. It’s not that they expected anything bad, it’s just that they did not realize how others viewed them.

One woman became teary-eyed when she began to share what others had said. The words on her list included: generous, thoughtful, artistic, humorous, and resourceful. She had never recognized these positive qualities about herself, so the words touched a deep place in her heart. It proved to be meaningful to her in a way she did not anticipate.

As we went around the room with each woman taking a turn reading her list, it was easy to observe the powerful impact of this exercise. However, there was one woman who refused to participate. She felt it was presumptuous to ask others to pay her a compliment. I completely understood her perspective, but there was a point that I was attempting to get across that I had not yet revealed.

After the words of affirmation were read, I asked the women if they had gained a different perspective of themselves as viewed through the eyes of others around them. They agreed that they had and that it was a good experience.

God Only Sees the Good

Then, I asked them to silently re-read their lists. As they did, I told them that when we are in Christ, God can only see His Son Jesus when He looks upon us. This means that He can only see us through the eyes of love. He does not see the bad or the negative. “God sees the righteousness of his Son when he looks at us” (I Corinthians 1:30). God only sees the good!

As you can imagine, the women’s hearts melted, and more than a few had to dab away tears. This is because we are so often our own worst critic. We tend to believe that God sees only our imperfections and judges us based on our failings. The truth is that God’s love is the only thing that can make us perfect. That’s why He sent His Son Jesus: “And by his one perfect sacrifice he made us perfectly holy and complete for all time!” (Hebrews 10:14 The Passion Translation). We are perfect in our Heavenly Father’s eyes!

Time to Reflect

• While most people celebrate a day of romantic love this month – Valentine’s Day – I encourage you to reflect on God’s love in your devotional time throughout February. Here are some Bible verses to consider: Hebrews 10:14; Colossians 1:27-29; Peter 5:10; I John 4:16; John 15:13
• Ask five people to give you three to five words that best positively describe your character and personality. Be sure to do the same for them! Take time to pray and ask God to show you how He sees you.
• Write a love letter to God. Read it to Him for Valentine’s Day.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that You are the source of love (I John 4:16) and that Your love is the greatest and most precious I will ever know. You demonstrated Your love by sending Your Son Jesus Christ to die for us (John 3:16).  I ask You to forgive me for all the ways I have ever rejected or taken Your love for granted. I choose to receive Your gift of love, and I confess my love for You. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.