The Look of Love in His Eyes

Hey, can I ask you a question? When you think of God looking at you, how do you imagine His expression? Does He look happy to see you, disgusted, or annoyed?

I’ve got good news for you: when God looks at you, the look of love is in His eyes.

I love the story in Mark 10:17–25. A rich man comes to Jesus and asks Him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Jesus reminds him that he knows the commandments about loving God and others. The rich man replies confidently that he has kept all the commands since he was a boy. His arrogance is shocking. I mean, think about it—have you loved others perfectly since you were a child? This rich man is essentially saying he has never sinned. He’s kept all of God’s laws perfectly.

When I read his words, part of me is stirred up, and I want to say to Jesus, “Let him have it! Put him in his place. Tell him he’s being an arrogant jerk!” But Jesus instead looks at him with love. Love—not disgust! He suggests that the man sell everything he has and give it to the poor. Then He invites the man to come follow Him.

Ah, I’m struck by the phrase, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Jesus saw the man’s arrogance, but He still looked at him with love. Jesus sees your and my arrogance, selfishness, and gluttony, but He still looks at us with love. I don’t know about you, but I still find that amazing!

When I was young, I often imagined God’s eyes as angry. I was a bit of a perfectionist and knew I couldn’t get things right all the time. This often made me try harder and run faster. Finally, along the way, I encountered the love of Christ more fully. I began to realize that Jesus looked at me with eyes of love despite my mess. His eyes weren’t angry—they were loving!

Friend, close your eyes for a minute and imagine Jesus looking at you with love. Have you sinned? Yup! Do you mess up often? Yup! Does it change God’s love for you? Nope!

His love is always there, pursuing you. He looks at you with love and invites you to come again and follow Him. His ways are perfect, and He continually offers you another opportunity to get back on track. His grace is always available. Can I encourage you? Confess your sin, ask for His forgiveness, and commit to come follow again. How can you resist those eyes of love?

This week on The Connected Mom Podcast, we are talking with Sue Schlesman, who co-authored The Compassion Storybook Bible. This is a great book to get for your early-age child or grandchild—especially as we approach the holidays.

Don’t forget to pre-order your copy of Friend-Wise—and pray with me that God will use this in the lives of thousands of women to encourage them toward deeper friendships!