Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 1:22-23
In today's devotion, we're going to see how the work that Jesus has done should produce in us transformed hearts that express His love to others around us (Matthew 22:39). Notice the type of love described here is 1 Peter 1:22. This love is a "sincere brotherly" love, and God calls us to love "earnestly" from "a pure heart." Our "pure heart" has been given to us through our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the love of Christ has also been planted in us so that we can love the way God has commanded us to love. Love is a choice and has nothing to do with how we feel. God's love is sacrificial and unconditional. God wants us to love others in the same way He loves us. That is why we see God's command to love one another coming after His truth of 1 Peter 1:22, "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love." To love God's way, our souls had to be cleansed and purified, which only happens by obeying God's Word. But, if our souls are purified by obedience to His truth, does that mean we can earn our salvation? No! Obedience to God's truth is not the means of salvation but evidence of salvation. Only those who "have been born again" can walk obediently to God's truth, having been transformed "through the living and abiding word of God" (1 Peter 1:23). Real love comes from a heart changed by God's living Word. The evidence of following Christ is shown by loving others.
Challenge & Application
1. What does God teach you about the means of salvation and the result of salvation?
2. Who can you show a sincere brotherly love for this week and how will you express God’s love to them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!