The God Who Sees Me: Day 5

Day 5: Loving as God Loves

Devotional

Hagar's story teaches us profound truths about God's character – how He sees us completely, loves us in our mess, and sustains us with His promises. But it also challenges us to reflect this same love to others.

Imagine how different Hagar's experience might have been if Abraham and Sarah had seen her as God saw her – as a person with dignity, worth, and a future. Instead, they viewed her as a means to an end, a solution to their problem.

How often do we do the same? We see people through the lens of what they can do for us, how they make us feel, or how they fit into our plans. We judge by exteriors rather than seeing hearts. We withhold love when people disappoint or hurt us.

God calls us to a higher standard – to love others as He loves them. To see beyond exteriors to hearts. To love even when it's difficult. This kind of love isn't just a nice addition to our faith; it's the very essence of it. Without love, nothing else we do matters.

Bible Verse

"Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, 'Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied." - Genesis 21

Reflection Question

Who in your life is difficult to love? How might seeing them as God sees them – looking beyond their exterior to their heart – change your perspective and actions toward them?

Quote

If you don't know how to love people, nothing else that you're doing matters. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I've failed to see others as You see them. Give me Your eyes to look beyond exteriors to hearts. Help me to love others not because they deserve it, but because You first loved me. Make me a reflection of Your seeing, knowing, loving presence in this world. Amen.