Love One Another Fervantly

     I wrote about this verse the other day. Four paragraphs were written about how we are to love eachother. However, when I read the verse again the adjective fervently jumped out. I may have subconciously edited it. It’s enough that we have to love eachother. To do so fervently is beyond my imagination. 

     What temperature is our love? When I hear the word fervent, I think of a blue flame; the hottest type. My love certainly isn’t hot. It’s present, but not hot. 

     I am unable to do this. When I look at my life and ponder where and how to increase my love, I get exhausted. Peter does like to challenge us. In verse 13, he told us to be sober in spirit. That had the feeling of entering a competition. The old coaches admonition was to “put your game face on”. 

     Why is this difficult? I feel the focus is different. Peter seems to focus on an event, while I’m looking at the duration. Almost a sprint verses a marathon. My mindset is that of a marathon. To give all I’ve got so soon would leave me unable to finish. 

     I feel this explanation doesn’t cover it all. I shy away from going 100%. When I swim with my pals, I tend to slack off. I almost have to trick myself into keeping up the intensity. If I think about it, I get weary. I have to intentionally avoid the thought. I can keep it up, if I do. 

     Another explanation is that it is impossible for us, as humans. Verse 23 gives the reason we can do this. We “have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” Because God is in us and empowering us, we can do this. 

     Lord, help us to be more loving and help us to turn us the intensity. I still get weary thinking about this. You gave the challenge, so You can help us do it. Thank You.