Advent Devotional – Week 4, Day 2: Loving the Unseen God
1 John 4:20
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
Reflection
The Apostle John makes a profound connection between our love for God and our love for people. It is impossible to genuinely embrace the invisible God of heaven while rejecting the visible neighbor right next to you. Genuine Advent love is practical; it moves from the theological to the relational.
The love that God showed us in sending Jesus was sacrificial and tangible. Therefore, our love must also be expressed in tangible ways—in kindness, forgiveness, and service, especially toward those who are difficult to love. Our relationships here on earth are the litmus test of our relationship with the God who sent His Son out of love.
The love that God showed us in sending Jesus was sacrificial and tangible. Therefore, our love must also be expressed in tangible ways—in kindness, forgiveness, and service, especially toward those who are difficult to love. Our relationships here on earth are the litmus test of our relationship with the God who sent His Son out of love.
Prayer
God of perfect love, help me to see the people around me as You see them. Forgive me for my failures to love. Give me the grace to offer kindness and forgiveness to my "brother" whom I have seen. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
- Who is one person in your life you find difficult to love?
- What is one specific, tangible action you can take today to show kindness to that person?
- How does the Advent story (God seeing and loving humanity) motivate you to see and love others?
Encouragement for the Week
The truest measure of your love for God is found in your love for neighbor.
(Part of “Rediscovering the Wonder: An Advent Devotional” – Week 4: Love.)
(Part of “Rediscovering the Wonder: An Advent Devotional” – Week 4: Love.)
Posted in Advent 2025