1 Peter 1:8a

From Peter the Disciple.

To the Exiles.

Jesus Christ will be revealed one day. No one knows when that day is coming. Not even Jesus himself knew when he was on earth. Only the Father has hidden in his mind the time when history will be ended and the king will return to claim his people and his throne and the whole world will be made new, this ravaged and infected world.

Though you have not seen him, you love him.

So strange to love someone you cannot see, and have never seen. But here’s the miracle: you do. Somewhere along the line, Jesus Christ entered into your field of mental awareness, and you were captivated. You love him. Man of sorrows, you love him. Healer and teacher, you love him. Prince of Peace carrying the two edged sword, you love him.

In the time of your exile, his love can nourish and sustain you. But also your own love for him: although far less, and only there because his love came first—still your own love can bring light to your heart. It is good to have someone to love. Someone other than yourself and your own life. Someone to give to. Someone to sacrifice for.

In exile, when the ugly side tends to come out of you and others, when fear morphs everyone into distorted shapes of themselves, still this remains a spark that can blow the whole forest into flame: you love him.

1 Peter 1:8a Though you have not seen him, you love him.