1 Peter 1:22-25 (NLT) - “You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, ‚People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.”

The Apostle Peter is addressing the Christians in a region that was undergoing much persecution. In the beginning of this initial chapter, he reminds them of the preciousness of their faith that is in the blood of Jesus Christ. Thus resulting in the natural outcome of that faith, which is expressed in loving each other deeply. This deep love is not a self-propelled love, not even character based. It is loving, solely on the basis of the new life of salvation indwelt by the Spirit, the eternal living word of God.

So, we do have a real opportunity here! Loving deeply is a real possibility through the Spirit of God. Let us ask for this!

As you recall from the message how the church was caring for one another, as even the explosions were occurring, people stayed back to help those who had been hurt. How were they able to stay to help instead of running away to save their own lives? It’s not like they had training for situations like that. Deep love comes from God.

Response and Prayer: Lord, thank you for my salvation through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. I have been born again, a new creature in Christ with a new nature indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Lord, please help me to love, beyond my personal understanding or even desire. May it be the true deep love that only comes from you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Sing in response: “Abide with me” by Matt Redman
https://youtu.be/eJvIsJxiOUM

-MK