How to Love One Another

In a world often characterized by personal pursuit and self-fulfillment, the call to love one another earnestly from a pure heart stands as a radical and counter-cultural command. And yet, this is precisely God’s calling for Christians throughout Scripture, and challenges us to reflect on the nature of love as the defining characteristic of our Christian identity.

The Source of Our Love

The foundation of our ability to love others genuinely and selflessly is found in the love God first demonstrated towards us. As 1 John 4:19 reminds us, “We love because he first loved us.” This divine love was most profoundly expressed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life to redeem us from sin and secure our eternal inheritance (John 3:16). It is this love that empowers us to love others, not as a mere obligation, but as a natural outflow of our new identity in Christ.

Born Again to Love

Peter emphasizes that our capacity to love is intrinsically linked to our spiritual rebirth. In 1 Peter 1:23, he writes, “Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” This new birth, wrought by the Holy Spirit, transforms our hearts and enables us to love sincerely, fervently, and purely. It is a love that mirrors the eternal and abiding nature of God’s Word, which remains true and powerful across all generations (Isaiah 40:8).

The Characteristics of Christian Love

Peter outlines the qualities of this love in 1 Peter 1:22: it is sincere, brotherly, earnest, and pure. Sincere love is devoid of hypocrisy. Brotherly love, or “Philadelphia,” speaks to the familial bond we share as members of the body of Christ, encouraging us to forgive and support one another as siblings in faith. Earnest love is fervent and proactive, seeking opportunities to serve and uplift others with eagerness and consistency. It is also pure in quality, reflecting a genuine care/concern for others without pretense.

A Call to Action

This call to love is not merely theoretical; it demands practical expression. Whether through acts of service, prayer, or simple gestures of kindness, our love for others should be evident in our daily lives. As Jesus taught in John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Our love is a testament to our faith and a reflection of the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion

In embracing this call to love, we align ourselves with the heart of God and the mission of the Church. It is a love that transcends personal gain and seeks the well-being of others, rooted in the eternal truth of God’s Word, and born out of God’s great love for us. As we strive to live out this love, we become living testimonies of the beauty and transforming power of the Gospel, drawing others to the hope and salvation found in Christ.