Scripture Reading(s)
1 Peter 1:22-25
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
“All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
And this is the word that was preached to you.
Reflections
Peter wrote to Christians during a difficult time in their history. The churches were still getting off the ground and many of them were heavily persecuted. Under such hard circumstances, some of the churches suffered with some discord. Peter wants to make sure that those in his audience are not part of this kind of business.
Earlier in this passage, Peter instructs the audience to have the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ is one that would fit Peter’s description in verse 22. Be sincere, love your brothers and sisters, and do so from the heart. In doing so, the body of Christ is recognized by outsiders in a way that makes them want to be part of the body. The gospel should be preached by mouth, however, it should also be through our actions and how we treat each other.
[Featured image from embracinghiswill.com]