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
One of my favorite things to do is read. I love to get lost in a novel, get to know its characters, and admire the excellent writing of the author of the book I'm reading. If you found out, however, that I hardly ever read and have no idea of what new books are being released this year, you would probably be convinced that I actually do not like reading, but just the idea of reading. If that were the case, you would be right. Because I claim to enjoy reading, you expect me to behave in specific ways. Because I like to read, I regularly have a book I am reading, I like to give book recommendations to my friends, and I am eager to have a conversation about the latest book I have read. You see, we can claim many things, but it is our actions that prove our words to be true. This is particularly true for those who claim to be followers of Christ. It is our actions, living like Christ, that demonstrate our faith to a watching world.
Peter called His followers to live like Jesus in 1 Peter 1. In this passage of Scripture, he explained the transformation that takes place for those who have become followers of Christ. He wrote, “Through Christ, you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because He raised Christ from the dead and gave Him great glory” (verse 21). He continued, saying, “You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart” (verse 22). Peter called readers in this passage of Scripture to love like Jesus. After all, we have been forever changed by His love, so we must express that love to others so that they, too, can experience His love and hope.
Peter’s words in this passage of Scripture reflect Jesus’ words in John 13:34-35, “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove that you are my disciples.” Our faith in Christ is demonstrated by the way we love others in the same way that Christ has loved us. If we claim to be followers of Christ, we must love those around us with the same sacrificial love that He showed.
What about you? If someone were to evaluate your life, would they know that you are a follower of Christ? If not, are you ready to make changes and love everyone in the same sacrificial way that He loved you? It’s time that our actions proved to the world that we follow Jesus!
How can you demonstrate Christlike love today? Maybe you know someone who needs encouragement or help. Reach out to them today and ask if there is any way you can serve them. Then, be ready to respond when they answer you. Ask God to help you as you seek to demonstrate His love to everyone around you.
John 13:31-38
31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. 33 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
36 Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”
And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”
38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
