Make a difference – Day 6

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 goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

Have you ever loved somebody you’ve never met before? Some people claim to love sports stars, celebrities and royalty, like Mother Teresa, Princess Diana and Hansie Cronje, but perhaps that “love” is more of a deep admiration or hero-worship, because what they do in life is inspiring. It does not relate to love that a person feels through mutual interaction. We could, perhaps, believe that expectant mothers actually fall in love with their babies when they’re still in the womb, and love them throughout their lifetime, but we also know that some mothers take their baby’s life through abortion.

Surely Peter gained amazing insight, through the Holy Spirit, into the reality of the situation of the Christians who loved Jesus though they had never seen him, and were now being persecuted for him. Peter had known Jesus personally after living and working with him for three years, and knew that he loved him. Peter had even failed him during that time and knew the joy of Jesus’ forgiveness. He was present at the crucifixion and he saw Jesus again after the resurrection. In the verse above, he encourages Christians who had never physically seen Jesus.

Can you identify with this verse?

I know that when I first read it, it was as though someone who knew me very well had seen into my heart and was describing my response to Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. It delighted me so much and that verse still delights me today!

Perhaps, if I had thought through “… for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls”, I would have made greater sense of this amazing realisation. What is so wonderful is that coming to Christ is an immediate experience of Jesus’ presence in our lives – the process of our salvation starts now, on earth! Jesus blesses us tangibly with abundant life (John 10:10) and transforms how we look at everything! We know where we are going and what he has promised us. James says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

There are so many people who don’t know Jesus personally and are missing out on joy, hope and the greatest gift of life. What can you do to make a difference for them?