1 Peter 5:12, 14

…I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand…Greet one another with a kiss of love.

1 Peter 5:12, 14

As Peter concludes his letter, he emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the body of Christ. He mentions greetings from other believers and encourages them to “Greet one another with a kiss of love” (1 Peter 5:14). This reminds us of the deep bonds we share as followers of Christ. They say blood runs thicker than water but there are times when we feel closer to our fellow Christians than we do our own families.

So what does your relationship to the church look like? How can you foster greater unity and love among fellow believers? Here’s a place to start, reach out to someone you don’t know well or reconcile with someone if there’s been conflict. Remember that we are all “elect together” (1 Peter 5:13), chosen by God to be part of His family. Pray for a heart that sees others as God sees them and for opportunities to build up the body of Christ in love.

Pastor Wade O’Neill