How NOT to Love One Another

In a world where love is often misunderstood and misrepresented, the apostle Peter gives us profound insight into what true Christian love looks like (and does not look like!), and how it can be cultivated. In 1 Peter 2:1-3, he challenges us to examine the nature of our love for God and for one another, urging us to put away behaviors that are contrary to the love we are called to exhibit.

The Nature of Christian Love

Christian love is sincere, earnest, and pure, stemming from the love we have first received from God through Christ (1 Peter 1:22). This love is not hypocritical or self-serving but is characterized by a genuine desire to serve and meet the needs of others.

The Dangers of Malice and Deceit

The destructive nature of “social” vices such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander (1 Peter 2:1), are made manifest in the lives of believers and the church. These vices tear at the social fabric of the church, undermining the love and trust that should bind believers together. God calls to “put away” these behaviors is a call to shed the old self and embrace the new life in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24).

The Role of God’s Word in Spiritual Growth

Just as a newborn craves milk, believers are too long for the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2; cf. Psalm 42:1). This longing is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, enabling us to grow in our love for God and others. The Word of God is the sustenance that nourishes our souls and transforms our lives.

Experiencing the Goodness of the Lord

If we have tasted the goodness of the Lord, we will naturally desire more of Him and His Word (1 Peter 2:3; Psalm 34:8). This experience of God’s goodness compels us to love others as He has loved us, reflecting His character in our relationships.

CONCLUSION:

The call to love one another as Christ has loved us is both a privilege and a responsibility. By putting away behaviors that hinder love and by nourishing our souls with God’s Word, we can grow in our capacity to love God and others. As we do, we reflect the beauty of the gospel and the transformative power of God’s Word in our lives. May we examine our hearts, cultivate a hunger for God’s Word, remember God’s goodness, and practice genuine Christlike love, daily.