Our understanding of love may be different, depending on our culture, our upbringing and our philosophy of the world. But what is love according to God’s Word? What standard do we use when we love? The Bible teaches a standard of love, and we must exercise and practice love according to the Bible. In 1 Peter 1:22-25, we learn the following three points:

1. Source of love (1 Pet 1:22c-23)

The source of love is not found within us (our character, our upbringing, etc) because we are all sinners and our nature is towards sin and wickedness. But as born again Christians, we have a new identity and are new creatures, therefore we can love the way God wants us to love. We have been born again into the one family of God. Do we love one another as a family of God?

We are born again by the gospel seed which is sown in us. This gospel seed is from the Word of God. The Word of God is incorruptible and indestructible. It stands forever. Everything on earth is corruptible. This world (including its philosophies) is temporal. Thus, we should not exercise love based on the philosophies of the world but based on the Word of God that liveth and abideth for ever.

2. Sanctifying unto love (1 Pet 1:22a)

Before we can love, we must be sanctified and purified unto love. There is a human responsibility to remain pure as we love one another. Do we see ourselves daily growing unto love? Sanctified unto love? This sanctifying work is by the Word of God and through the Holy Spirit that works in our hearts. As God’s people, we need to surrender ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit within us.

3. Sincerity of love (1 Pet 1:22b)

We must have genuine, sincere love for our brethren. This brotherly love (i.e. philadelphia) must be sincere, genuine and without hypocrisy. We must love with a pure heart, motive and intention.

Can our love be genuine and without hypocrisy? Yes, because we have the right source of love and we are now sanctified and are constantly sanctified and are able to grow in love. So let our love towards one another be genuine and sincere.