The Most Authentic Way
From the Heart

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 1:17-25

Key verse: 1 Peter 1:22

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

The Apostle Peter instructs us in our printed key verse to “love one another deeply, from the heart.”  There are no verses before or after this verse that would indicate that we need to pretend we love each other deeply, from the heart.  In fact, the apostle’s inspired words point toward sincerity and authenticity!  We must conclude that, with our cooperation, God does a complete work in our hearts to accomplish this love.

In 1 Peter 1:17-21 Peter describes what the work of God does for those who believe.  First, the work of God redeems us (1 Peter 1:18).  This means that when we believe in Jesus, God buys us back—redeeming our lives from the evil one and his world.  It was this faith on our part that allowed God’s work to begin in us.  In 1 Peter 1:22 we read that our faith purified us because it enabled us to obey the truth.  Believing the truth (the Bible) guides us into holy living and a clear understanding of why sinful people act the way they do.  This understanding opens the door to sincere love for them; love from our hearts.  Stephen illustrates this as he was being stoned to death.  He cried out for God not to hold this murder against his attackers (Acts 7:60).  How did Stephen forgive so freely?  God’s Holy Word had purified his heart so he could have sincere love from his heart.  God wants to do this work in you and me!

Father, I will read scripture and apply it to my daily life.  I will trust you to use my efforts and your divine power to give me sincere love.  In Jesus’ name, amen.