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

Have you ever considered the fact that the world needs to see God in and through you? People today do not physically see God. But God’s spirit lives inside the hearts of believers…it is through us that the world may know Him.

Through our giving, our loving, our serving.

Through our kindness, our sacrifice, our forgiveness, our joy.

Consider each person you encounter in a given day. Many of those brief encounters are God-ordained moments…orchestrated by the creator himself to allow a lost child of his to see Him…to experience Him.

In today’s world, these interactions with people are often online, through social media or other technological modalities. As we interact with others online, are we ever vigilant, looking for opportunities for others to see God in us? Are we careful not to engage in personal attacks, disrespectful rhetoric, or harsh criticism?

There is a phrase I was taught as a young child and have tried to pass on to my own children. It is this: “You may be the only ‘Jesus’ someone ever sees”. That statement is simple yet profound.

As you encounter other human beings in your daily routine this week, whether online or face-to-face, keep in mind the fact that, if you are a believer in Christ, your interaction with them is meant to exhibit “God’s love, made complete in us”(1 John 4:12).

Let’s reflect Christ with compassion, patience, respect, and love…always pointing people, by our words, attitudes and actions, to the glorious hope and joy that can be found in Christ Jesus.