1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
A purified heart makes it more possible to love sincerely. A heart that is selfish, prideful, seeking to please the flesh, will be a block to love. The context tells us that faith in Jesus is the only way to experience this purified heart. It does not come through our own efforts but it is shown through obedience. Obedience is not a matter of work only, but it is a matter of faith being worked out in daily living. A purified heart comes through obeying the truth. Faith and obedience always go together in the Bible. Love will be the natural bi-product of obedient faith. We must focus our obedience on the truth of the gospel. The way this verse is stated is there is the basis in purifying our hearts leading to the result of loving one another. The word “deeply” stands out. This is not a shallow love based on emotions or circumstances but a love that penetrates to the core of our being. This type of love is not swayed by the winds and waves, the back and forth and ups and downs of life. It comes from our deepest place, our hearts, where we make decisions and where our worldview or values are. This verse shows the relationship between love and holiness.
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