A Worshipper Who is Humble Loves Other People

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,

Insights:  In today’s verse we see that another attribute of a humble worshipper is their ability to love other people with a fervent love which comes from the heart.  In other words, because of Jesus’ profound work on the cross and our position in Him we are supernaturally able to let love flow through our lives toward other people.  This reality comes out in two primary ways.  Firstly, if we truly love other people we are going to want to serve them.  Jesus said the greatest among us would be servant of all (Mark 9:35).  Secondly, if we truly love other people we are going to forgive them when they have hurt or wronged us.  Jesus said, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions (Matthew 6:14-15).”  Beloved, when we are willing to serve others as Jesus served us then we are showing a true spirit of humility.  Think about the example He gave us in the upper room on the night in which He was betrayed.  He took on the role of a slave and washed His disciples feet.  When our lives have been truly transformed by the Lord, then we are going to want to serve others for Him.  There will actually be joy in serving others for Him and it will wash over into our worship.  This second aspect of forgiveness is also modeled by Jesus on the cross when He said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).”  Even at His death He was showing the extent of His mercy and grace.  There is nothing that any person has ever done to us that compares to what we did to Jesus on the cross.  If He, in His perfect love, can forgive us of such vile acts of hurt toward Him, then because of His Spirit that indwells us, we are able to forgive others of their insignificant pains they have caused us.  Let me encourage you this day to look for opportunities to serve others and if the Lord has brought a person to you mind as you have read these words with whom you need to forgive, then let me encourage you to do that also.

Questions:

1.  Do you have a tangible love for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus?

2.  Are you harboring any feelings of unforgiveness toward them?

Prayer: Father, because You are love, teach me to love others as well.  Grant me a spirit of forgiveness toward those who have harmed or hurt me and allow me a spirit of service toward them and all of humanity.  For Your great name.  Amen.