Originally posted on Facebook on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

I don't feel particularly loved by my father at the present moment.

But I know without question that he loves me.

During #StarkvilleBibleU this past Tuesday, we were discussing John 4:48 where Jesus said, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe."

We were exploring the contrast between the people of Cana who Jesus just spoke of, and the people of Samaria who simply heard and believed (John 4:42).

The question was "What is the level of faith that Jesus requires?"

Take note:
– "the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did" (John 4:45)
– "the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word" (John 4:39-42)

There's a difference between faith that comes from what you "see" and faith that comes from what you "hear".

The brothers likened it to how our children experience our love as fathers. Do they believe we love them on the basis of what we do for them? Or do they believe our love on the basis of our witness: who we are with them?

The faith Jesus requires does not come from outward perception. It comes from the Holy Spirit doing something in us by way of the Word. The mark is receiving the witness of Jesus and seeing Him for who He is: Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:3)

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
– Romans 10:17

Saving faith births something in us so that we know, even when we don't feel it.

"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'"
– Galatians 4:6

Just like with my earthly father, there are sometimes seasons of silence. I don't always feel His love, but I can always know.

"And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him."
– 1 John 4:16

#Know #FaithBeyondFeeling #perfectourlove