During World War 2, Dietrich Bonhoeffer ran an underground seminary to train German pastors. In his classic book Life Together, Bonhoeffer warned his students that many church leaders have an idealized vision of church community. But once in ministry, they become disillusioned by reality. He then makes this incisive remark: “He who loves his dream of community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial.”

Peter reminds us that we have been “born again” (v. 23). God’s Spirit has brought new life into the heart of believers through the Word of God. Because of God’s work in our lives, we are called to grow in holiness. Peter puts it this way: “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth” (v. 22).

But how do we know we are on the right track? How do we know we are growing in our faith? Here is a simple test: Do we love our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? When we were saved, we not only had our relationship with God restored, but we were made a part of a new community—the church. Our love for one another should be more than just making small talk after a church service. We should “love one another deeply, from the heart” (v. 22).

This kind of Christian community not only models the kind of love Jesus has shown toward us, but serves as a witness to the world. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus commanded His disciples to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35).

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