NEW IDENTITY 

Our fervent love for one another is rooted in our new identity in Jesus, which signifies a spiritual rebirth (1 Peter 1:22-23). This transformation, occurring from within, becomes evident as we live out our fresh and unprecedented identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus' teaching to Nicodemus tells us the importance of this rebirth as the foundation for entering heaven. He told Nicodemus that unless he is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3). 

Peter, speaking to persecuted believers, reminds us that having our new identity in Christ, we must continue to do the will of God even amidst adversity and trials (1 Peter 4:1-3). Our obedience to God's will, fueled by the indwelling Holy Spirit, reflects our new life in Christ (2 Peter 1:2-3). He promises to empower us to live out this identity (2 Peter 1:4), enabling us to exhibit love and loyalty, even in challenging circumstances, like the early Christians' response to plagues the Roman Empire. The early Christians stood out through the way they showed “unbounded love and loyalty” to their sick, unbelieving neighbors, while the rest of the Romans fled. Through our fervent love, we not only reflect our newfound identity but impact the lives of others to eventually follow Christ as well.

SHORT TIME

Peter wanted to keep reminding the believers of the need to live for Jesus until His time to depart this life; Jesus Himself told Peter about his eventual death (2 Peter 1:12-15, John 21:18-19). Peter knew that life on earth is short, and that earth itself  would not last forever.  This is why it is of greatest importance (“above all”) that we should keep fervent love for one another (1 Peter 4:7-8). The “Day of the Lord” will surely come unannounced, “like a thief,” so we should behave in “holy conduct and godliness” as we look forward to “new heavens and a new earth” (2 Peter 3:11-13) One important way we can do this is by sharing God’s love, through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. 

GENUINE FORGIVENESS

This is the forgiveness that we have received, and others need; love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). To “cover” does not mean to cover up, rather it is to pardon; not take it against the person; keep no record to use it as a weapon; not gossip nor slander to destroy another’s reputation. Peter himself experienced genuine forgiveness from Jesus. The Lord revealed to Peter ahead of time, that he deny Him (Luke 22:31-34). Peter did deny his Lord three times and as Luke records, Jesus looked at Peter. He looked at him without condemnation or disappointment, but with a gaze filled with love, compassion, hope, and genuine forgiveness. (Luke 22:55-62). Unthinkable as it may have seemed to Peter, what followed shortly after was even more remarkable when he encountered Jesus again (John 21:15-17). In that moment, Jesus reinstated Peter into the ministry of caring for His "sheep," offering him genuine forgiveness.

Have you, like Peter, denied or failed Jesus in some way? If we've experienced God's genuine forgiveness, who are we to only receive it and not extend it to others? Let's all embrace and share God's genuine forgiveness. Let's love fervently, recognizing our new identity, acknowledging the brevity of our time, and appreciating the forgiveness we've received from Jesus.