Born Again to Love (1 Peter 1:22-2:3)

Think about when something new comes into your life – like a new baby, a puppy, or even a fresh start. Everything changes. There’s excitement, growth, and sometimes a little chaos. But there’s also joy.

Peter tells us in his letter that something even greater has happened to those who follow Jesus: we’ve been born again. We’ve gone from lost to found, from dead to alive. And this new life has a purpose—to love deeply and grow steadily.

A New Life Means a New Way to Love

Peter writes:

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)

When we’re born again, we’re given a new identity nd that identity is rooted in love. Not surface-level love. Not polite smiles and quick greetings. Peter is talking about deep, from-the-heart love. The kind of love that puts others first.

The kind of love Jesus showed us.

Can you think of someone who showed you love when you really needed it? Maybe it surprised you or changed your whole day. Now ask yourself: Who needs that kind of love from me this week?

Our New Life Begins with God’s Word

Peter continues:

“For you have been born again… through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)

God’s Word is like a seed. It may start small, but once it’s planted in your heart, it begins to grow. It changes you from the inside out. That’s what happens when we read, hear, and obey Scripture. We don’t just get smarter—we get new life.

Peter reminds us that everything in this world fades away, but God’s Word lasts forever. When you build your life on God’s Word, you’re building something that lasts.

We Grow When We Feed on the Right Things

Peter wraps up this section with a simple picture:

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…” (1 Peter 2:2)

Babies don’t have to be told to eat. They crave it. And they need the right kind of food to grow. We’re the same way spiritually. If we want to grow in our faith, we have to feed on the truth of God’s Word—not just once in a while, but regularly.

That growth shows up in real ways:

• We let go of things like anger, jealousy, and gossip.
• We grow in confidence, knowing that God is at work in us.
• We live with more love and less fear.

One Simple Step This Week

Peter’s message is clear: God’s Word brings us new life—and it grows us into people who love deeply.

So here’s a challenge for the week:

As you spend time in God’s Word, ask Him to show you one simple act of kindness you can do for someone else. Just one. Let your new life lead to new love.

You’ve been born again – not just to believe something, but to become someone new.