No.252 - Sincere Love

The Love of God’s Children

Sincere Love

 

1 Peter 1:22

"Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart."

Starting Prayer

Dear Lord, grant me insight as I reflect on Your Word today. Help me understand the depth of sincere love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background

In 1 Peter 1, the apostle Peter addresses believers who are undergoing trials and persecution. He encourages them to stand firm in their faith and emphasizes the importance of holy living and obedience to the truth. The selected verse speaks of the purification of souls through obedience to the truth, resulting in sincere brotherly love. This love is to be heartfelt and genuine, flowing from a pure heart.

Be Encouraged

The call to sincere love is a powerful reminder of the transformation that occurs when we obey the truth of God's Word. When we truly understand and accept the gospel message, it purifies our souls and compels us to love one another genuinely. This love is not superficial or hypocritical but stems from a heart that has been changed by the grace of God.

Practically, sincere love means going beyond mere words or gestures and demonstrating a genuine concern for the well-being of others. It involves sacrificially serving and caring for one another, even when it's inconvenient or challenging. By loving earnestly from a pure heart, we reflect the love of Christ to the world and build up the body of believers in unity and strength.

Additional Verses

- 1 John 3:18: "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

- Romans 12:9-10: "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

Invitation

I invite you to embrace sincere love for one another, which stems from obedience to the truth of the gospel. Jesus is calling you to obey His Gospel of salvation if you have not yet committed your life to Him. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you experience the purifying power of God's love. Please share this message with your loved ones. Join us in worship at a nearby Church of Christ, where you can grow in love and fellowship with fellow believers.

Concluding Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of sincere love, which purifies our souls and binds us together as Your children. Help us to love one another earnestly from a pure heart. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist

Evangelist

Church of Christ

Abokobi - Accra

Ghana

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