“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.” — 1 Peter 1:22
How many times a day do you hear the word “love”? It seems like I hear that word in every other sentence: “I love this song.”, “I love Chipotle.”, “I love Nike shoes.”, “I love what you’ve done with the place.”
In this verse, the Bible tells us to “love each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.”
What does this mean?
During the last few weeks, I have seen this verse come alive in our Church in marvelous ways. I have had the privilege of being a dinner guest with two separate families, hung out with 150 men at The Rock Men’s night meeting, attended a prayer night, attended Youth Group meetings, and worshipped alongside you at our weekend services. I haven’t even mentioned dinners (after church on Saturday night) and preparing for Rocktoberfest!
Look for Ways to Love
It reminds me of some essential things. To love one another is surely more than a “feeling.” Love is action, word, and deed. It means sacrifice, dedication, and vulnerability. Love breaks down cultural barriers, political divides, and satanic racial tension. Loving one another as brothers and sisters means devotion, seeking their best in the Lord, praying for them, and enjoying their company as a precious child of God.
Men and women, don’t minimize loving your brothers and sisters in Christ. This week, choose to get to know them better, pray for them, seek unity, and enjoy their fellowship. You could also go out on a limb and invite them into your home for a game night or a meal.
The Church, your brothers and sisters in Christ, is rich in expression and diversity. Our Church is brimming with different life experiences and shining with the radiance of Jesus. We naturally discover this as we know each other more. Choose to “Love each other deeply with all your heart.” You certainly don’t want to miss out.
Shining with you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor