“You have a soft heart.”
I wasn’t sure what to make out of that comment at first. While discussing forgiveness, my friend described her heart as being hardened by bitterness. But then she made a sharp contrast; as soon as she said those five words, I felt God’s presence envelop me. She referred to my “softness” as a gentle, peaceful spirit that made her feel safe.
In high school, I was ashamed of being perceived anywhere close to soft. I wanted my personality to stand out, my presence to be noticed, and people to think: “Wow, I want to be as bold as her.” That was until I understood my design in Christ. Once I saw my gentleness as nothing to be ashamed of but a trait to embrace, I could more clearly see God revealing himself through the words of loved ones. I could embrace those affirmations as a reflection of the ultimate truth—Jesus Christ our Lord.
What if God dwells in our conversations? What if he shows himself through people, shedding light on our design and redeeming truths marred by sin?
God reigns in an invisible realm, clothed in a blinding glory that keeps us from seeing him face-to-face. Even his faithful servant Moses, with whom he confided and spoke as a friend, could not behold the fullness of God’s glory without dying.
Yet God yearns to be seen by his people. Because we live in a world where the tangible supersedes the invisible, the Lord sent his Son to show us his glorious image in terms we could understand.
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1:3
Jesus came to show us the image of the invisible God! He shed the tears of a God saddened by death, walked in the compassion of a Shepherd eager to tend to his flock, and healed with the hands of a Father who can’t stand to see the tear-stricken faces of his very own. He dined, spoke, and dwelt with the only ones for whom he would leave his throne.
More than that, he made the ultimate sacrifice to show us the essence of the Father who sent him; he died for all our sins so we can step behind the torn veil and behold his radiant face. He showed us the attribute that separates him from anyone who has set foot on earth: his unconditional, eternal love.
But, as Hebrews 1:3 notes, Christ’s place is next to the Father as the rightful king who conquered death. So how do we find God when Christ is no longer roaming the earth, welcoming the kids and healing the lepers? Christ knew our desperate need for the Father extends to all eternity. In the same way the Father breathed life into us, Christ breathed new life into us so we can always have access to our heavenly Father.
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:22
The Spirit testifies to God’s love within us since it is the Spirit who manifests the Father’s loving presence to those around us. As children brought back into a family of love, we are called to imitate that love, reflecting the loving presence of a God who didn’t give up on us.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2, NLT
Like Christ did for us, we get to reflect the image of the invisible God to his beloved. We are imitators of God!
This is true for the brothers and sisters he’s surrounded you with. Through the Spirit, they take on the likeness of Christ as he took on the likeness of humanity. His presence dwells in his beloved.
But as much as we can know all God did to make himself known, it’s another thing to experience it on a daily basis. So what if we step into our days asking God to reveal himself through his people?
God knows we’re forgetful, hurt people who get lost in the enemy’s lies. So, up close and in love, he reminds us of the truth. Just as Jonathan strengthened David by reminding him of his secured future in the Lord, God has put people in your life to arm you with his Word.
“And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware.”
1 Samuel 23:16-17
Has there been a recent conversation where someone spoke God’s truth, elevating you from your troubles? The more we see those moments as God’s revelation to his beloved, the closer we’ll feel to his presence.
God also reveals himself through the proclamation of spiritual gifts and affirmation of a Christ-like character. He knows there are parts of ourselves that remain hidden unless seen from an outsider’s perspective. As we share ourselves with the body of Christ, they shine a light on our God-given design. They see our propensity for hospitality and our affinity for teaching. They see what we can easily dismiss as second nature. Has someone told you recently that you are particularly skilled at something? That a certain part of your personality stands out? Because we tend to take gifts for granted, we see our design in a new light through the words of God’s people.
“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
It’s true that only Christ has fully seen the Father. But you know what’s also true? Because Christ has given his Spirit to the church, today, you too can stand in awe of a Father who speaks only the truth and guides you confidently toward your calling. We don’t have to be afraid to miss his face. He dwells in his people, extending his presence in a love that is enriched and made sufficient in and through us.
Trust in him, beloved. He is never too far from you, for he himself is love.
Application
- Spend time praying, asking God to remind you of a conversation where you felt deeply loved. Maybe the person spoke truth over you or encouraged you in your giftings. Whatever it may be, write it down, guarding the note as a reminder of God’s loving presence.
- Are you struggling to see God’s love throughout your day? Ask him to reveal himself through his beloved, and he will be faithful.
- Who is a person in your life who could use God’s loving words? Brainstorm ideas of how you can reach out to them. Perhaps you can write a letter, call them, send them a voice note, or write a prayer to them. In love, there’s a myriad of possibilities!
Photo Credit: Emilee Carpenter
Long before Ela knew of storytelling as a vehicle for gospel-fueled transformation, she was already crafting stories with hopeful endings. While this went on for a while, her journey took a drastic turn when she went to Taylor University and encountered hope in the face of God. He was the ultimate hope she was searching for amidst her stories. With that knowledge came new layers of storytelling—photography, baking, videography, and more. She now enjoys studying the Word of her personal God and sharing what he is teaching her through the art of writing.
