How should we live in light of the return of Jesus? In 1 Peter 1:22-2:3, Peter wastes no time in diving right into the answer. In v. 22, the apostle reminds believers to “love one another earnestly from a pure heart,” a plea for brotherly love for fellow Christians. Brotherly love is a familial bond which goes deeper than blood. A daily challenge, we as Christians must show the love of Christ towards one another in order to show the lost world around us what love truly is.  

Because of our Savior returning in glory soon we must strive to honor him with all we say and do. A good starting point is seeking to meet the needs of fellow believers. Perhaps there is a brother or sister that is facing a cancer diagnosis, or is wrecked with anxiety and depression, or is a single mother struggling to get by. Maybe your pastor could use a word of encouragement. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to opportunities to show compassion. 

Moreover, our model for Christian love is the sacrificial love of Christ. Our Lord came voluntarily to be murdered on a bloody cross to pay the insurmountable debt of sin which alienated us from God. As Paul wrote in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What love!? This Christ-like love we must display towards believers and the lost alike, opening hearts to the gospel.

Moving forward, Peter writes in v. 23 that because we have been “born again” through the “living and abiding word of God,” we are to love others well. Our salvation should produce a warmth for the brethren which grows over time. The word of the Lord “remains forever,” and endures unlike human flesh which withers and dies like the grass (v. 24-25). This passage speaks to the power of the Word of God, which produces in us a desire for holiness. Additionally, this word is “the good news that was preached to you.” The gospel message brings us to faith in Christ and the Word of God nurtures that faith into Christ-like maturity. 

Progressing to ch. 2, Peter continues his practical exhortation to believers. As we live out our faith, we are to forsake anger towards one another, lying, living a double life, desiring what others have and speaking out against the brethren (v. 1). Such actions invalidate our Christian witness and provide a terrible example to the lost. Brothers and sisters, we must strive to draw closer to Jesus every day, read the Word of God and pray so that we can love others well.

Furthermore, we must crave the “pure spiritual milk” of the Word just like a newborn baby longs for his mother’s milk. Only then can we “grow up into salvation.” When Jesus comes back, we will be glorified with him and receive the fulfillment of our salvation. Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, his resurrection and his return are the basis of our salvation. And when he returns in blazing glory, our faith will be made sight. Indeed, as v. 3 states, if we have “tasted that the Lord is good,” we will desire to grow in our faith, love our brothers and sisters and share the gospel with the lost.

Reflection Questions:

Do you desire to grow in your faith and crave the “pure spiritual milk” of the Word of God?

Who can you display the love of Christ to in your faith community?