Thursday Reading: 1 Peter 2 20-24
Key Verse: 1 Peter 2 20
20 For what glory is it if you patiently endure while sinning and being buffeted? But if you suffer while doing good, and patiently endure, this is a grace from God.
Key Verse: 1 Peter 2 20
20 For what glory is it if you patiently endure while sinning and being buffeted? But if you suffer while doing good, and patiently endure, this is a grace from God.
Devotion:
It is said by many that if you want to impress someone then you will have to do something extraordinary for them; that may be something that you do not like doing or something that you think will not go down well with others. It may not be something that you have to do but something that you have to say. Peer pressure to do or say these types of things can be very great. Either way, you are elevating that person above others in some manner. Whether this is going to be a good thing or a bad thing is ultimately within your control, no matter how much pressure there is.
It is said by many that if you want to impress someone then you will have to do something extraordinary for them; that may be something that you do not like doing or something that you think will not go down well with others. It may not be something that you have to do but something that you have to say. Peer pressure to do or say these types of things can be very great. Either way, you are elevating that person above others in some manner. Whether this is going to be a good thing or a bad thing is ultimately within your control, no matter how much pressure there is.
You may well look back on times like that in the future and be able to say whether it was worth it or not; whether it helped to build friendships or destroy them. Ultimately, if we do want to be able to show someone we care for them, we will have to be willing to go that extra mile for them to show them that they are extra special. It is not the fact that we can do things for them, but the fact that we are willing to do things for them, whether we are asked to or not.
There is no surer way for someone to show another their love than to be willing to die for them. (John 15 13) If you were able to step out in front of a car or bullet in order to save another person’s life, would you do it? Your answer is probably going to be along the lines of “only if I really do love them!” or “only if they will continue to do well!”
That is exactly what Christ has done for us. He did not qualify it by saying that we have to be good or that we have to do great things in return. His qualification was simply that He loves us so much that He was willing to do it. What does He ask in return? That we recognise that He has done this and that He is telling the truth. If we wish to follow His example, then we should be willing to do anything for everyone…
Points to Ponder:
How do you like showing your love for others?
How do you like showing your love for others?
Do you thank Christ for what He does for you?