The Greatest

When one face captivates your heart, the rest of the world gently fades into the background.

Devotional Credit: Abide Above
Photo Credit: Unsplash

This morning's reflection from Abide Above invites us into a deeper understanding of love—not as a principle or doctrine—but as a Person who draws us into ever-deepening intimacy. C.A.C. begins with the truth every believer first encounters: Christ loved us so much that He saved us. But that first experience of His love—at the Cross—is merely the beginning.

From there, the devotional outlines three deepening stages of personal fellowship. First, we rejoice that “My Beloved is mine”—Jesus is our Savior and treasure. Next, we grow into the realization that “I am my Beloved’s”—He desires to possess us entirely for Himself. Finally, love draws us even further into the awareness that “His desire is toward me”—the Lord longs for our company, not out of duty, but delight.

This love cannot be merely studied; it must be experienced. It draws us out of attachment to the world, not by command or pressure, but by the beauty of Christ Himself. The more we sit under His shadow with great delight, the more the world loses its grip. We are changed from glory to glory, not by striving, but by beholding Him.

Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I loved you first. Before you responded, before you turned My way, before your name was ever known on earth, it was written on My heart. I drew you with cords of lovingkindness, not because of anything you did, but because of who I am.

You came to know My love at the Cross, but that was just the door. I now invite you into the house—into fellowship, into friendship, into shared delight. I gave Myself for you, not merely to save you, but to have you. You are Mine, and I am yours.

I do not want your service without your company. I do not want your devotion without your presence. My desire is toward you—not to use you, but to be with you. Sit with Me. Behold My face. As you gaze upon Me with unveiled eyes, My Spirit transforms you into My likeness. This is not the striving of the flesh but the sweet surrender of one who has tasted and seen that I am good.

Let your heart breathe freely in My presence. I do not shame you. I draw you. I delight in you. Come and rest in My affection, and the world will fade into its proper place—not because you forced it, but because I captured your gaze.

(Scripture references: 1 John 4:19; Hosea 11:4; Galatians 2:20; Song of Songs 6:3; Song of Songs 7:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Real-Life Analogy

Have you ever been at a crowded party and suddenly spotted someone across the room who lit up your world just by being there? The noise didn’t stop, and people kept moving all around, but your eyes kept drifting back to them. The chaos faded—not because it ended, but because someone better had captured your attention. That’s how the presence of Jesus works. His beauty doesn't scream over the world’s noise—it simply draws your gaze, again and again, until nothing else really holds you the same way anymore.

Prayer of Confidence

Jesus, You didn’t just die for me; You long to be with me. That truth overwhelms me. I rejoice in knowing You as my Savior, but today, I rest in something even sweeter: You want me close. I thank You that I no longer need to chase Your approval or strive for closeness. You already gave me Yourself. My heart delights in Your love. I trust You to keep drawing me with the quiet power of Your beauty, until everything else fades and all that remains is You and me—face to face.