The Lord calls us to love one another deeply and earnestly from the heart, for love covers a multitude of sins. Love is the evidence of our faith, the proof that we are truly His children, and it is through love that we demonstrate the reality of the new birth. He desires for us to embody love, compassion, and kindness in all of our interactions with others. 
The love that the Savior had for Peter, a former fisherman, was being transformed into a divine love for those under Peter's care. Peter desired that all those who believe in the truth of the gospel, including himself and us, maintain pure hearts and adhere to Christ's commandment to love one another as He loves us. 
Our hearts cannot be purified by ourselves. Sincerity in our love for others and fervent love for one another cannot be achieved through our own efforts. The Lord purifies our soul through salvation and continues to do so as we confess our sins, stay in fellowship with Him, and follow His Word. A godly character and godly behavior stem from a close relationship with Christ and being continually connected to Him.

Dear Heavenly Father,  I pray for Your purifying work in my heart. I ask that You help me to develop a sincere love for the brethren, to fervently love one another from the inner depths of my heart, and to not love with a hypocritical heart or insincerity of spirit. Help me to keep my heart pure and to obey Your command to love others as You love me. I trust in You to continue to purify my soul day by day as I confess my sin and remain in fellowship with You. 
In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.