Recently I was in downtown Atlanta and passed a statue of the great heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield. This beautiful statute was revealed and dedicated in June of 2021, and I was able to see it for the first time. Immediately I recognized Evander and was flooded with memories of driving past his home in high school, or watching him via Pay Per View with some friends in 1997 as his ear was bitten off by Mike Tyson. The statue is not Evander, but reflects his image for others to recognize his accomplishments.
Similarly, the famous statue of the great soccer, or football, player Ronaldo was revealed in 2017 as an airport in Portugal officially changed its name to honor one of the greatest football players of all time. Sadly, it looks like wax that partially melted and looks nothing like the real person. It is such a sad, and somewhat humorous, reflection of the original and one that has been the brunt of many jokes.
What does this have to do with anything? As we read 1 John 4:11-12 we begin to understand that an invisible God is perfected by the visible evidence of His love that we reflect to the world. In other words, as His children, we are responsible to reflect His image by what we do and say. More specifically, the genuine and sincere love that we express should be an expression of His grace.
His extravagant love gave up everything. His lovingkindness is patient and providing. His love never runs out. His love never fails. His love restores broken relationships. His love gives.
When we consider His love and this inseparable notion of His nature, we must assess our submission and reflection of His love through our relationships. I pray that my actions speak loudly that Jesus consumes me. I pray that our church screams loudly through love that Jesus controls us. I pray that you will consider the depth of His love and allow His consuming grace to overflow in you and through you, as you reflect His glory to the world
Understand that maybe days we get it right and people look at us and immediately see a reflection of God’s love. There will certainly be days that we are more like a Ronaldo statue and it is very difficult to see GOd’s love in us. In those moments experience the fullness of His love that forgives and extends grace, just as we must extend to the world. Let others see Jesus in you today!