JANUARY 28, 1 Peter 4:8

The Apostle Peter tells us that we are to have “fervent charity”. We want to ask three questions: What is “fervent charity”, why we are to have it, and why especially among Christians?

Firstly, fervent charity is to have persistent and consistent love for others. This type of love is not what you may see on television or hear in songs. The type of “love” portrayed by the world is not true love. Real agape love is sacrificial, is kind, and is not self-seeking.

Secondly, we are to have fervent charity because others can know we are Christians by our love since only true believers in Jesus can have and show such love. is kind of love is rare, and therefore easily distinguished from the other types of love. Such love is very tough to possess and none of us will be able to have it unless we rely on the Lord.

Thirdly, we are to have this love especially among believers as we need to spur one another unto good works. When you receive selfless love from someone, you will tend to want to reciprocate it. Imagine being a recipient of a kind and selfless act by a Junior Worship classmate.

This positive action will in turn spur others in the class to do likewise. If everyone in the class shows agape love, any newcomer will get a pleasant surprise when he steps into the class!

When was the last time you saw a kind and selfless act in your Junior Worship class? When was the last time some students thanked the teacher or volunteered to help? Be the first one to do so!

Thought: Learn real love from the God of love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me what agape love is by the death of Jesus for me. In His selfless act, I can have salvation and I am so thankful. Please do help me to have a little of that same selfless love that can reach out to others, so that others can see Christ in me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.