Love That Is Seen
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:12 NIV
As a writer, I love words—reading them, choosing them, and using them to craft messages. But there are some words—outstanding ones, in fact—that, because of overuse or misuse, have slowly lost their meaning. And sadly, love is one of them.
In the English language alone, there are dozens of definitions of love, not to mention the hundreds of words we use to describe it. Yet even with all of this, there’s still a great deal of debate about what love actually is. And if we’re honest, that can feel a bit overwhelming.
Thankfully for us, Scripture speaks into this confusion, reducing all the many interpretations down into three simple, yet incredibly profound words: God is love (1 John 4:8). This is what is true—what has always been true and always will be.
But even in this, there’s often a disconnect between what love is and how love acts. You see, it’s possible to define, discuss, and even believe in love, yet still fail to understand how it practically works. And God knew this to be true. That’s why He took the demonstrative initiative to show us.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV
In Jesus, the full expression of God’s love was made visible and tangible. He was, in fact, God on display in human form.
Still, it’s worth noting that although Jesus is love, He didn’t go around announcing, “I am Love,” or repeatedly saying, “I love you.” He didn’t have to, because His works testified to this truth. In the Gospels, we see Him healing, teaching, forgiving, serving, restoring, providing, and ultimately laying down His life to redeem humanity. The reality is this: it was His visible works—not only His words—that revealed who He truly was and who He still is. He is God. He is love. And love—real love—is seen.
And this is where our part comes in. As His followers, we’re called to live and love like Jesus. This is not only the most faithful way to reflect Him — it is also the most powerful form of evangelism we have. In fact, this is how the early church exploded and still today continues to grow. Not through programs, strategies, or witnessing tools — which certainly have their place — but through love. Visible, sacrificial, Spirit‑empowered love. This is what a watching world is desperate for. This is what they need— not only to hear, but to actually see.
The good news is, this is something we can all do — we can all show God’s love. Although we may never feed five thousand, heal a leper, deliver a demoniac, or open blind eyes, we can help feed the hungry, show mercy, extend compassion, and shine our light in dark places. As we do, Jesus is on display. His presence is evident. His truth is witnessed. His goodness is experienced. And His perfect love is seen.
So, let’s commit to showing God’s love — in the words we speak and the ones we choose not to. And let’s demonstrate His love in our actions and reactions. And let’s display His love in our families, communities, workplaces, and in our churches. In everything we do, say, and think, may the love of Jesus shine through us. And if we’ll do this God’s Name will be honored, His presence will be felt, and His love will be seen.
Pray
Father God, thank You for showing me what real love looks like through Jesus. I see Your love in creation, in Holy Scripture, and in the people made in Your image. I am in awe of who You truly are. Please work through me as I seek to demonstrate the reality of Your love. And as I do, may others see and experience how good, true, and beautiful You truly are. Amen.
Reflect
Where is God inviting you to make His love visible right now? What steps can you take to show His love to others?
Friends, I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your responses in the comment section below, or with me and others HERE!