“House and riches are an inheritance from one’s ancestors, but an insightful wife is from the Lord.”(Proverbs 19:14 CEB)

I can draw straight lines that connect everything I love about my life to Julie. My kids, my vocation, my most cherished memories— none of them would exist without my wife.

Even the things I like most about myself have developed as results of the kindness, consideration, and attentiveness Julie has shared with me over the 18 years we’ve known one another. Before she came into my life I was completely oblivious when it came to relationships or any kind of friendship at all… Don’t get me wrong, I’m still oblivious, but thanks to her I’m much less oblivious today.

So when the Bible declares, “an insightful wife is from the Lord,” my heart responds with an enthusiastic, Amen! That said, if you don’t have the good fortune of being married to Julie, don’t worry. Chances are, God has given you the gift of someone else, whose patient love has made you a better version of yourself.

Now here’s a question: Does anyone consider you to be a God-given blessing to them?

“No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12 CEB).

Something unexpected happened about two thousand years ago. The invisible God took on human form (Col 1:15). Suddenly, the One who previously could only be seen by faith could now be seen in the flesh. The mysterious Creator of the universe became accessible to regular people who heard his calming voice and felt his healing touch.

Then something else unexpected happened. Jesus ascended into heaven and delegated his work to those regular people. He sent us the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us as we continue the mission of representing God on this earth.

How do we represent God? By loving others the way Jesus loved us.

If you want to be a God-given blessing to someone, love them. Commit to them. Care for them. Continue to show them kindness even when they don’t deserve it.

After all, Jesus died for the whole world. If we let God live in us and love through us, in time we’ll discover that absolutely everyone is lovable… just ask my wife.

Lord God, thank you for revealing your matchless love in the person of Jesus Christ. Thank you for continuing to demonstrate your love through the faithful people whom you’ve brought into our lives. Help us to embody your love as we interact with others. Amen.