March 7, 2015 – I Peter 1:8-9

You love him even though you have never seen him. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:8-9God surrounds us in many ways. We long to see Him, yet we love Him.  Quoting a friend of mine in the loss of his friend’s father, “I didn’t know him, but I know his son.”  We can’t see, touch or hear God, but we know Jesus, His Son.  And to know Jesus is to know our Father God.The following verses let us know that we are called by God to ‘be’.  Then there is the qualifier – always.  Not occasionally, not once in a while, not when you feel like it — but ‘Always Be’! Humble, gentle, patient, loving and unity. Yes!So often our first outburst at another’s words or actions is hurtful and divisive. Patience is needed.  How can we acquire patience?  By being deeply in love with the One who is patient with us.  For His Love is the bottom line of following Him, knowing Him and following Him.  Being united in the Holy Spirit binds all of us in Christ’s peace.Can you imagine the encompassing brotherhood of those being united in Christ’s Love?  I am not talking about those brothers and sisters in Jesus, we see often.  No, this is a world-wide unity of those who love Jesus.  The old, the young, the poor, the immature, those with dirty faces and those who are without education.  Jesus loves each and every one.  Those who are martyred for their faith — beheaded, crucified and tortured — are beloved ones of Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.  These are our brothers and sisters as well in the Holy Spirit.We make every effort to keep ourselves united in the one body and one Spirit.  Why?  The glorious hope that awaits us.  We are here only a short time in the span of time.  Let our lives be worthy of our God…and love others, even as Jesus loves us first.Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s  faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.  Ephesians 4:1-4