Love That Looks Deeper

Love lets us see others through the window of Jesus’ heart, not the lens of offense.

Devotional Credit: Open Windows, Abounding in Love by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash

T. Austin-Sparks invites us to look through a window, not of judgment, but of love. and to see the surpassing excellence of Jesus as we engage with others. The love we’re called to express is not limited to those who are easy to love or who share our spiritual maturity. Scripture makes it plain that love must abound not only within our circle, but toward all people. That is a searching and deeply practical call.

This kind of love doesn’t overlook immaturity, ignorance, or flawed theology. It simply refuses to let those things become barriers to fellowship and spiritual growth. Sparks reminds us that when we see what offends us in others, we are often seeing symptoms of deeper issues, untaught hearts, wounded souls, or misdirected zeal. But underneath it all, there may be a real love for the Lord trying to surface. And the Lord sees that. He sees the heart, not just the surface clutter.

The challenge, then, is not to retreat in disappointment but to press in with grace. It is easy to shut down when others disappoint us. It feels natural to withdraw. But the Lord calls us to see as He sees, to discern not just outward expressions but the inner desire to love Him, however imperfectly shown. Where we might see a reason to give up, He sees a reason to keep working.

This opens a window not only into others but into our own hearts. It reveals whether we’re walking in pride or in love. When we begin to love others the way Jesus does, we are no longer puffed up with knowledge but built up in grace. And it is through that love that we are conformed to the One who gave Himself for all.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

My child, let your love overflow. I have poured My love into your heart through the Spirit I gave you, and that love is not meant to be contained. It is not reserved for those who meet your standards or match your understanding. It is a love that reaches into the mess, the misunderstanding, the immaturity, and says, “You are still Mine.”

You were once untaught, misguided, and yet I drew near to you. I did not wait until you got it right. I loved you when you were still far off. Now I am asking you to see others the way I saw you. Look beyond their noise and notice the pulse of their heart. If they love Me, even a little, I am already at work in them. Join Me.

Let your heart be gentle. Do not let offense build a wall. Speak truth in love. Bear with others. Build them up, not out of obligation, but from the overflow of My presence in you. I do not give up on the weak, the weary, or the slow to grow. Neither should you.

This is how you know Me. This is how others will know you are Mine. By your love.

Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Romans 5:5, 1 Corinthians 8:1, Ephesians 4:16, 1 Samuel 16:7, Romans 15:1, Galatians 6:2, John 13:35, 2 Corinthians 5:16, Romans 5:8, Colossians 3:12–14

Real-Life Analogy

Imagine trying to enjoy a cup of coffee with someone, but you’re so distracted by a smudge on their shirt that you can’t focus on anything else. You miss the warmth in their voice, the gratitude in their words, and the joy in their eyes—all because you let a surface flaw obscure the deeper reality.

Loving others sometimes requires wiping away that mental smudge. It means letting the Spirit adjust your focus from the irritations on the surface to the heart that still beats with love for the Lord, however imperfectly expressed.

Today, if you find yourself pulled into frustration or offense by someone’s words or actions, pause and trust the Lord to love through you. You might quietly say, “Lord, I trust You to reveal Your heart toward this person in me and through me right now.” Whether it is a conversation, a gesture of grace, or simply withholding judgment, let that moment become a window through which the beauty of Jesus can be seen.

Prayer of Confidence

Lord, thank You for seeing through my mess and loving me anyway. You have shown me what patient, pursuing love looks like. I trust You to keep producing that same love in me for others. I don’t need to fix people or shut them out. I only need to yield to Your heart for them.

Thank You that I can rest in Your work in me and in them. I rejoice that You are not finished with any of us. May Your love, already poured into me, overflow today in quiet, gentle, and courageous ways. I trust You to keep shaping my heart to look more like Yours.