In the King James Bible, love may be termed “charity” or “love.” One emphasizes emotions/feelings and the other emphasizes actions. In 1 Peter 3:8, “love” refers to the actions or the practical aspects of love in which believers are called by God to have and to do.

Believers are called to be “salt of the earth” (Matt 5:13). In order for salt to preserving meat, it has to be in contact with the meat. Similarly, believers must be in the midst of brethren in order to be a blessing. However, as we are not perfect, there will be times when we may hurt or be hurt by others. When this happens, we must not let it affect us or damage our testimony and our relationship with others. We must continue to love for we are called to love one another.

In order to do this, we must “love as brethren” (1 Pet 3:8). We must help, encourage and care for them just as we will do the same for our blood brothers and sisters, without any hidden agenda. We must not be judgmental, but have a compassionate and understanding heart and must always be ready to forbear and forgive them when they do something wrong. We must also possess a good inward affection (“pitiful,” 1 Pet 3:8) and a friendly disposition (“courteous”) towards them. Then we will not render “evil for evil” (1 Pet 3:9) as we will not harbour hatred because of the hurt that others had put upon us. Rather, we will be a blessing to others, and we will “love life and see good days” (1 Pet 3:10). We will be careful and watch our tongue because words can hurt and bring down others, especially when our intention is to make ourselves feel good or feel better than others. Hence, we must only speak words of encouragement.

It is never easy to love especially when others have hurt us deeply. Hence, we must love others for the Lord’s sake. We must keep on seeking after peace and do whatever it takes to obtain it (1 Pet 3:11). We must not let anyone or anything to prevent us from seeking peace with others. When others hurt us so much that we find it difficult to forgive and make peace with them, we are to pray to God to help us do His will (1 Pet 3:12). He will hear our prayer and help us if we seek Him sincerely, desiring to do His will, and not our self-will. In loving others, we must be careful not to do it to receive recognition from people. We must love because it is God’s call for us to love and we are to love for the Lord’s sake, and for His glory.