The Simple Call

Scripture – 1 Peter 1:22-25: Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers and sisters, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

Observation – The simple call has been with us from the beginning – we are to love one another. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) We all know how easy it is to talk about other people in the church – sometimes even complaining about them. How does that fit with loving one another “deeply, from the heart.” The fact is, love is something I can give or withhold. Sometimes I resist giving it. And quite simply, that is not being obedient to the truth.

Application – I will not speak disparagingly about any member of the church for the next three days. I will discipline myself and monitor my language, if not my heart.

Prayer – Lord, I cannot do that without you. Please keep working on my heart. And help me open myself to letting you do that work. For you only have the best in mind for me.