The grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:14)

Love is found in Christ Jesus. It’s important to know, because without knowing where something can be found, we don’t know where to look. God doesn’t uncover every mystery, but this is one He wants us to know. He longs for us to know where we can find love, because He wants us to live it out. And we find it in Him, in Jesus. God doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He wants to be found. He wants to be in a growing relationship with us and that requires intimacy.

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. (1 John 3:6-20)

Jesus demonstrated sacrificial love with perfection when He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:7-8)

Love, in order to be God’s love, isn’t limited by feelings and words but must be demonstrated through actions. Jesus lived love out loud by speaking words of comfort, speaking difficult words of truth, meeting people’s physical needs, healing people who were sick or injured, and more. But His greatest demonstration of love was His willingness to die a horrific death on a cross. His death was unjust in order to justify others’ lives. His death was the most sacrificial demonstration of God’s love ever. Jesus is our perfect example of love, and it is through Him we live love out loud. It is in Him we find love.

We have hundreds of opportunities to demonstrate God’s love every day. We start by choosing God. He’s present where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going. He’s not silent, so you won’t have trouble finding Him. But maybe you don’t want to find Him—or You want to find Him when it’s convenience to you, but there are times and situations that are easier to keep to yourself. Maybe you’d rather worship your right to choose. God will allow your choice. He loves you too much to force you to love Him. You likely don’t realize how much He loves you and is passionately pursuing you, mainly because you don’t want to see and acknowledge him. Choose your god of choice over God, and God will painfully let your choices play out.

But He loves you and wants more for you. He wants Jesus for you. He wants love—His love—for you. And He’s not just saying or feeling it; He’s demonstrating it.

Accept.

Dear God, I don’t want to play hide and seek. I know it’s just a charade. No more hiding for me. Thank You for seeking me. I am seeking and finding You. Thank You for Jesus and His amazing demonstration of love. I will step out in faith and live love out loud to honor and praise You.

Seek.

How have you played hide-and-seek with God?

How have you played charades with God?

How have you experienced God’s love?

How will you live God’s love out loud today?

Know.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)