“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
—1 Corinthians 13:12.

In heaven we “shall know fully.” We’ll understand and appreciate one another more deeply than we ever have in this present world.

Jesus’ disciples recognized Him in His heavenly body, apparently because of His familiar features (Luke 24:36-43). Mary knew Him at the tomb because of the familiar sound of His voice when He called her by name (John 20:14-16). The two disciples at Emmaus identified Him because of certain familiar gestures. When they noticed the way their guest blessed the food, they recognized Him as the Lord by His manner (Luke 24:13-34).

The redeemed are certain to experience thrilling “face to face” reunions in heaven. Imagine the joy of recognizing your spouse’s special smile, or the familiar call of a child you laid to rest long ago, or the endearing gestures of some beloved friend. All the barriers that sin puts up between people will have disappeared. We’ll have an eternity to deepen life’s most precious bonds and to develop intimate friendships with the most fascinating personalities in the universe.

In the new earth the extraordinary intimacy extends even to the animal kingdom:

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”
—Isaiah 11:6.