By[22] “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,” — I Peter 1:22 NKJV
1 Peter 1:22 is such a long verse. I can’t recognise how often I reread the scripture to get the meaning. Apostle Peter wrote His first epistle to Christian pilgrims scattered across the face of the Earth who were facing terrible persecutions for standing firm in the faith of God (see 1 Peter 1:1-2). So when he wrote and got to verse 22, he was referring to how persecutions have purified their souls in obeying the Truth through the Holy Spirit. And by that, he admonished them to use the firm stature they’ve gained in Christ through trials to their advantage. That is, to love one another fervently with a pure heart.
The word “fervently,” as used in the Bible verse, means ‘intently’ or ‘with fascination.’ So Peter isn’t urging us persecuted Christians, living in an evil age, to merely love one another as brethren. No! He’s saying that we should place emphasis on loving one another, regardless of our flaws and differences amongst ourselves.
Dear friend, you don’t have an excuse not to forgive that fellow who didn’t treat you well, whether he recognised it or not. You must love him fervently with a pure heart –that heart that neither keeps offences nor knows unforgiveness.
The good news is that the empowerment to do such a thing doesn’t come from you but from the Spirit of God in you. Instead of taking matters into your own hands and repaying evil with evil, let the Holy Spirit take charge of your thoughts, actions and speech. You’ll live offence-free in Christ.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the empowerment to love people fervently from a pure heart. I choose not to withhold offences in my heart, no matter how hurtful it is. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 292
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