The Visible Evidence of the Invisible God

Today's Word of Wonder: Grace

The Scripture Spotlight for Today

“10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 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 4:10-12 (NIV)

The Devotion: The Love That Starts with Him

If you were asked to define true love, you might describe a powerful emotion, a committed relationship, or perhaps a selfless act. But today's WOW scripture offers the clearest, most concise definition of love ever written: It starts with God.

Verse 10 is the ultimate source code for spiritual life: "not that we loved God, but that he loved us." We didn't initiate the connection; we simply received the ultimate act of Grace. God demonstrated His love first and completely, sending Christ to sacrifice for us while we were still distant. This is the Enduring (1 Chronicles 16:34) love that is the foundation of our faith.

This act of Grace is immediately followed by a command that shows us how God’s invisible love becomes visible: "since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." Our love for others is not a suggestion; it's a necessary response to the love we have been given.

The WOW Moment is found in verse 12: "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

We cannot point to God physically, but when we choose kindness, patience, and forgiveness toward our neighbor (Ephesians 4:32)—especially when they don't deserve it—we complete the divine circuit. Our relationships become the visible, tangible Witness (Luke 19:40) of an invisible God dwelling within us. Love is not just a feeling; it is the ultimate proof.

Wonder Prompt (Actionable Reflection)

Think of one specific relationship right now where you feel challenged to show love, kindness, or forgiveness.

• Instead of focusing on their faults, focus only on the Grace that God first showed you (Verse 10).
  
  
• Commit to letting that divine Grace flow through you by showing one specific, undeserved act of love to that person today. How does this act of external love make God’s presence more real to you internally?