“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God” 1 Peter 1:22-23.

The way of truth is a purified, loving life. What we learn and know is designed to transform lifestyle. It was the apostle Peter, human author of 1 Peter, who stood up in Jerusalem before a gathered assembly, to declare as to God’s work among both Jews and non-Jews that, “He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith” Acts 15:9. The work of God’s truth is to remake the hearts and lives of those who truly receive it.

But, there is more. Peter urges his readers, based on the life-changing work of truth, to “fervently love one another from the heart.” The purifying work of truth has given the people of God a kindly affection (philia) for one another, but this affectionate love must progress to agape love - a love of doing. The progression of love in our lives grows from affection to action.

Love can be fickle and transitory. We “love” certain foods, music, books, and activities, but our preferences may change. Even love for a spouse can change in that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. But, the love instilled in God’s people has basis for permanence in that it is based upon something not “perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” It is truly love that will endure because it is based, not on personal whim, but the living, enduring word of God.

In the second century Tertullian wrote: “It is mainly the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to put a brand upon us. See how they love one another, they say, for they themselves are animated by mutual hatred; how they are ready even to die for one another, they say, for they themselves will sooner put to death.” The followers of Christ were distinguished by an extraordinary quality of selfless love, as Jesus said would typify His people (John 13:35).

As opposed to the trend of the world - “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold” Matthew 24:12 - may a doing love (agape) ever characterize us.

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