Love It Up!

one another sincerely from the heart. It is possible because it is reasonable. Remember—“God never gives His children a command without first living out that command.” Well, now let me share this corresponding rule with you: “What God commands you to do, He empowers you to do.” How do we know this? Let’s look at a couple verses: “Now that you have purified yourself by obeying the truth…”(1:22); and “For you have been born again…of imperishable seed…”(1:23). Peter is referring to the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit and the living, enduring Word of God. Practically speaking, when we heard the Gospel and received it, confessing our sins, God forgave us and instantaneously sent His Spirit regenerate us into new spiritual beings. In other words, you and I were “born again.” This tandem work of the Spirit and the Word is imperishable. Our dead sin nature was made righteous and alive in Christ. Therefore, it is now possible for us to love one another deeply. The Spirit of God has awakened our mind, soul, and spirit to God’s love. It also enables us to love God, each other—even those who are most difficult to love. Think about it—what greater testimony of our God than the love we show one another. It is possible to love like God because He is now living in us. Without His Spirit, Christ’s command to love one another would be unreasonable because fulfilling it would be impossible.

TRANSITION: So, this command—“to love one another deeply”—is both reasonable and possible. Yet, do not be misguided. It may still not be your natural inclination to put the interest of others before our own. Therefore, this divine command requires supernatural strength that can only come from God. Supernatural strength requires spiritual growth. Spiritual growth requires good, spiritual “food.” That is where Peter now turns—good growth requires good food. Now, isn’t this exactly what your mother has been telling you your whole life? If you want healthy bones, drink your milk. If you want 20/20 vision, eat your carrots. For protein, eat your beans. And the list goes on.

II. GOOD GROWTH REQUIRES GOOD “FOOD” (1 Peter 2:1-3)
Before I go too far with this point, let me remind you of the earlier maxim: The healthy church is made up of healthy Christians. Love is a clear sign of health. Therefore, healthy churches are made up of Christians who willingly love and receive love. Now, would you believe that what you eat could positively and/or negatively effect your relationships? If I want to relate healthily with my wife or my sons, what I eat is important. If I digest too much sugar, then I am too tired to play. If I ingest too much caffeine, then I am too wired to listen to Lisa. If I lack the right amount of protein, then I lack the energy to play ball with the boys. You probably can track many of these same results with food that you choose to eat. The same is true for our soul’s spiritual growth. Really! Turn to the person sitting next to you in your pew and ask them, “Did you eat something good for me this morning?”

Essentially, Peter tells us that if we are going to love our Christian brothers and sisters deeply then each of us must “eat” properly so that we might grow. After all, the corporate vitality of this church is as strong or mature as its weakest or immature member. To assist us with our spiritual diet, the Apostle gives us a “menu” complete with