August 19 | 1 Peter 1:17-25

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DAILY READING

1 Peter 1: 17-25

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REFLECTION

Love one another deeply, from the heart

By Kim Starr

Did you know that in Ancient Greece, there are eight different words for love? In verse 22, Peter uses two of them: philia and agape.

Philia love is described as the love and happiness shared between two things. It is based in deep friendship and is seen as loyalty to friends, family, and the community. It is a love that is a mutual understanding, one that is authentic, articulate, and insightful for all the parties involved.

Agape love, the highest form of love, is a sacrificial, selfless, enduring, and unconditional love that is the kind of love God has for us. It is also the kind of love God commands us to have for one another. Agape love is not a feeling; rather, it is a choice, an action, to seek the well-being of others.

Now that we know what these words mean, let’s look at what Peter says to us,

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love [philia] for each other, love [agape] one another deeply, from the heart.” (v.22)

How do we agape love one another deeply from the heart? First, we must make a choice to do so. Second, we must do it regardless of whether we will get something out of it or receive a response from our actions. Agape love can be very hard. We are all busy and have our own priorities. If we are going to take the time to do something for someone else, it would be nice if we received some acknowledgement for what we did. Peter says we should not think about that and make the choice to do something anyway.

Recently, Kelsey Bacon, our Next Gen Ministries Director, sent two emails requesting agape love from our congregation. One was about Sunday Nights and the other was about serving the children of our congregation through Kids’ Church, Middle School Ministry (MSM), or High School Ministry (HSM).

Think back in your own life. Are there people who showed you agape love as you were growing up? What about children in your life? Can you pinpoint people who showed them agape love? Don’t you think the children of our congregation and their parents could benefit from seeing your agape love on a Sunday? What better way to demonstrate Christ’s love than to show up and love on these people?

Please message Kelsey at kbacon@ualc.org to sign up to serve, if you have questions, or if you want to learn more. Kelsey also asked the congregation to join in this prayer:

Lord, we ask that you bless every student as they begin the school year and the ministry year. Bring new kids to our church who are in need of your truth, and draw those who are already in our midst deeper into your love. Help us to care for the children of our church. Bless the volunteers as they serve, and guide the Next Gen team in your will as they seek to disciple all who enter our doors. Let your light shine in and through the next generation of UALC.

I sincerely hope that you will consider opening your heart to agape love one another, deeply, this fall.

PRAYER

Lord, please show me where I can best agape love someone. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.