Recently I read an article about several people who had purchased an enormous amount of supplies that are currently in high demand, such as hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, masks, and toilet paper. They then sold these supplies on Amazon and via other outlets at a much higher price. It made me angry to think that during these hard times, people would try to make such a financial gain at the expense of the “suffering” of others, especially after the look I saw on people’s faces as they stared at empty shelves lacking these same items. The business part of my brain understands that they were simply doing what they had learned about entrepreneurship but, somehow, their actions seemed unfair and unkind.
A few days after reading the article, I chose to read a devotional on prayer, which states that God answers every prayer. In this devotional, the story of Peter in Acts 12 is referenced to support the points being made by the author. Peter was in prison and an angel appeared and helped him to escape. The word fervently in verse 5 caught my attention as I read through the chapter. The church was praying for Peter fervently. I knew there and then that this study was going to last a couple hours, having gathered my Greek Bible, and other resources.
So, what did I find? I discovered that this word (fervently/ektenos in Greek) is only used three times in the New Testament: Acts 12:5, 1 Peter 1:22 and Luke 22:44. I was so encouraged in what I found that I wanted to share it with you.
During the time of Peter’s writing, Christians were going through a hard time. Peter was reminding them of how, as Christians, they were called to live their lives. The letters WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) are in bold print on a hat in my closet. As Christians we want to do the right thing and conduct our lives as Jesus would. But we don’t always succeed. “It’s not easy being a Christian” is a statement that I have heard hundreds of times. I’m pretty sure I’ve said it myself repeatedly.
So, how can we be more like Jesus? I believe that Peter was so impressed with the fervent prayers of his church during his incarceration, that when it was his turn to encourage the church, he used that same word. He may have remembered how greatly loved he felt when the church prayed fervently for him, and how God miraculously freed him from prison as a result. In 1 Peter 1:22, he tells the Christians to love each other fervently. But, one might ask, how can I love someone fervently when they are hoarding supplies, or when they appear to be simply unloveable?
Well, the explanation given by Peter of why we can love each other fervently is quite remarkable. He doesn’t just say, hey, you’re a Christian and even go to church, now act like it; now go love each other fervently. No! He takes the time to explain to his readers what gives them the ability to love each other in an authentic and genuine way. He tells them that if they choose Jesus as their LORD and Savior, they too will have the ability to love each other fervently.
You see, an acceptance of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus alone will give us the ability to love each other with a deep love, a love that’s genuine and sincere. Not only will we have the ability to love others fervently, we will also be eager to do this. Having been freed from the clutches of sin and having been purified by the Spirit, Peter asserts in 1Peter 1: 22 that we have the ability to love fervently, even those that over-purchase toilet paper, food, and other items we might need at this time but cannot find in the shops.
What a powerful witness we would give as Christians during these challenging times if we were to treat all people with grace, compassion, understanding and fervent love, that they in turn, through the mist of their varied experiences may catch a glimpse of Jesus and the kingdom that He came to establish.