You Love, He Gives

Although you've never seen Him, you love Him.  Even though you don't see Him now, you trust Him and so rejoice with a glorious joy that is too much for words.  You are receiving the goal of your faith: your salvation.  - 1Peter 1:8

Are you filled with a "glorious joy that is too much for words"? 

If you answered "yes," you've discovered something that not a lot of people have today.  If you answered "no," keep reading... (I hope you'll keep reading if you answered "yes," too.) 


Do you see in that verse where it says, "you love Him?"  It doesn't say "you loved" (past tense), or "you will love" (future tense).  It says "you love"… as in, you are loving - right now!  That is a present, active verb...  Action that is happening right now.  The same verb tense is used for "you trust Him…"  You are continuing to trust Him - right now.  (I know... it's a grammar lesson.  But, hang in there!)

What's the big deal?  Well, the use of this verb tense means that we're talking about an ongoing relationship!  Is that what your love for and belief in Jesus is all about?  Is it something you "once did" or "plan to do someday"?  Because, if that's the case, you won't have the kind of joy that Peter's talking about.

Ok, get this!..

A relationship (especially a love relationship) is not meant to be one-sided.  You're not expected to "love" and "trust" (or "believe") without something else happening on the other end.  Read on… "for you are receiving the goal of your faith: your salvation!"

Your part is to love and to believe (actively, presently - all the time), and God's part is to give you the gift of salvation.  Which, by the way, is being constantly perfected (made better, stronger, more mature) in you.  As you keep on loving and believing, He is constantly working in you to bring about that joy that is more than you can express in words!  

You keep loving, and He keeps giving!

More time…

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  -Psalm 51

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, (sister), have refreshed the hearts of the saints.  -Philemon 7

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God.  -Hebrews 12:2

Prayer…

Dear Lord, what a great and glorious gift Your love is to me!  Thank You for saving me.  I want that joy in my life.  If there is something in the way, I pray that You would help me to see it, and get rid of it!  I want to love You today and always... just like You love me!  I praise You!  In Jesus' name. Amen.

Now what?...

Look for ways that you have let that continuous love fall to the side.  Are there distractions in your life that get in the way?  Are you drawing close to Him everyday, through prayer and personal Bible reading?  Remember, God's Word is a love letter!  Read it, and respond to Him as He perfects the faith that He started in you!