1 Peter 1:22 ” Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth [through the Spirit - KJV] for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly [deeply - NIV] from a pure heart,” ESV

First some observations about a few words:

Obedience – This is the same word used in verses 2 & 14

Truth – Used 110x in the New Testament!

Through – Some of the definitions that caught my eye: 1c) by means of ;
2a) the ground or reason by which something is or is not done

Sincere – “unfeigned” in KJV - without hypocrisy

Brotherly Love – Philadelphia

Love one another – Agapao; used in v. 8 of our love for God

Earnestly – “fervently” – KJV - Comes from a root word that means “stretch out the hand” – to be stretched out – earnest, resolute, tense

After purifying ourselves by obedience (that is obedience to Christ), which is mentioned in verses 2 and 14, we should have a sincere love for our brothers (in Christ). So it seems that the result, or rather one result, of our obedience to Christ (truth) is the development of a sincere love. Not just superficial “I love you” type love, but an unfeigned or non hypocritical love, a love that can only come from the Spirit. This love his only the first step. Apparently there is a progression of love pictured here, a progression from sincere brotherly love, to an earnest, deep, love that comes from a pure heart. It seems that all has come before is a prerequisite for this love. You first must be chosen by God, sanctified by the Spirit, and obey Christ. Then a sincere brotherly love will grow, and eventually a Godly or Agape love will come from a pure heart. The fact that we are commanded to love seems to indicate that we have a choice in the matter. So this love is a choice, not merely a feeling.

Application

  • Purify ourselves by obeying Christ, who is THE TRUTH.
  • Choose to love one another sincerely through the Spirit, not quenching the spirit in our lives.
  • Choose love earnestly and deeply realizing that it is only by God’s grace and power that we are able to do so.
  • Rely on God: ask for His help and His love.