Porcupine Love 

Thursday, May 1

Porcupine Love 

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.1 Peter 1:22

Let’s be honest: loving people can be difficult. It’s been said that loving others is like two porcupines trying to huddle together on a cold night—“They needed each other, even though they needled each other.” It’s funny… and painfully true. We crave connection, but sometimes we hurt each other in the process. Even within the church, among brothers and sisters in Christ, love can be complicated. Misunderstandings, offenses, personality clashes—they happen. And they sting.

Yet Peter calls us to a love that is sincere (genuine, without pretense), deep (fervent, constant), and from the heart (our emotions, will, and desires). Why? Because God is love. And if we’ve truly received His love, we are commanded—not suggested—to extend it to others.

Maybe today there’s someone in your life, maybe even in your church family, who hasn’t experienced that kind of love from you. Maybe they’ve experienced distance, dismissal, or even hurt. If you truly want to follow Jesus, you already know what to do.

Loving others deeply often means dying to pride, letting go of past wounds, and leaning into grace. It’s not something we can do in our own strength. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to love in ways that reflect the heart of God.

Prayer for today: God of Love, thank you for coming to me to show me Your love. Help me now to show this same love to others as I represent you. Amen