Every once in a while you come across someone who makes you want to love Jesus more. Someone who’s lived enough life to justify being jaded, but rather than jadedness there’s joy. Someone who works out their theology not merely through academic dialogue about God, but through real community with others and honest conversations with God.

Jill Weber is such a person. As I listened to her talk with Nathan Foster on the Renovaré Podcast, a prayer formed inside of me: Jesus, rekindle my love for you.

In an excerpt from her book, Jill shares how an awareness of being seen by God has shaped her life in profound ways and freed her from striving for human approval. 

It reminds me of Richard Foster’s definition of the contemplative life: the soul’s steady gaze upon the God who loves us. Rather than putting our ​“head in the clouds,” this exchange of gazes — God’s eyes on us, ours on God — enables us to see others more clearly. Being rooted in God’s unshakable love makes it safe to love others whose love isn’t so steady. 

Father, expand our awareness of your loving gaze. Open the eyes of our heart to your beauty and goodness, even and especially in the midst of difficult seasons. Through the power of your Holy Spirit dwelling in us, root us in your love so that we can love others without fear.