“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” 1 Peter 1:22

A weak, trembling voice is on the other end of the line, it’s 2a.m.- someone is seeking comfort, help, and a compassionate ear; what do you do? I wish I could confidently say that everyone that falls in this circumstance- answered the call, woke out of sleep and gave a listening ear, a heartfelt prayer or provided what was needed…but to be honest, many would answer, admonish the caller to phone back in the morning! Scripture teaches us that men are lovers of themselves. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” 2 Timothy 3:2.

But, when we have accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as your Savior; we become new creatures in Christ. The love of God dwells within our hearts- it teaches and motivates us to love one another. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16.

Cain asked God the question, Am I my brother’s keeper? He knew what he had done in slewing his brother out of jealousy…but…the answer that we should hold too is a resounding yes, because the love of God that lives within us as His new creation, motivates and guides us to be selfless and loving towards one another! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.

It is called grace for grace my friends; what God has so richly done within us; we must allow to flow to others. Starting right now, this moment- let us strive to love with a pure heart that draws us closer in Christian fellowship; faithfully standing for one another in the times of our greatest need. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35.

We are all going through something in life, regardless to where we are…at times we need an encouraging word, a stronger Holy Ghost filled mentor or friend to help keep us steady along the way; we need one another. Our strength, peace, and consolation, come from the God of all comfort; we are His beloved creation now and forever- we are one in the Spirit, bonded together by His love through Jesus Christ our Lord-let us love one another.

The old gospel hymn states it perfectly… Blessed be the tie that binds:

Blessed be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like that to that above.

God’s blessings of love, peace, and comfort be with us all!