Today's Reading:
Isaiah 19:1-21:17
1 Peter 3:8-4:6
Psalm 140:1-5
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: 1 Peter 3:8-10
8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do
not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing,
because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
Insight:
Harmony,
sympathy, brotherhood, compassion, and humility are hallmarks of faith.
The way we interact and relate with others, whether friends or foes, is
part of the calling and inheritance of those who follow Jesus. The
words of our mouths give evidence of the depth and maturity of our
spiritual formation. When our hearts are formed and motivated by the
redemptive grace and peace of Christ, we will not return insult for
insult or evil for evil.
Response and Action:
If
I am truly following Christ, and allowing him to shape and guide my
heart and mind, my attitudes and words should demonstrate it. I do not
want bitter or unkind words to be my first response when I am offended,
hurt, or insulted. I want my speech and attitudes to be driven and
shaped by what Christ Jesus would have me say and think.
O
God, by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, transform my heart and
mind. Unkind and mean words are too easily spoken when I face
difficulties and offense in my own strength. I want you to shape and
guide the attitudes of my heart, the thoughts of my mind, and the words
of my mouth. Give me the wisdom and the will to surrender to you so
fully that all my dealings with other people are rooted in the
redemptive love of Jesus. It is in his gracious name that I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: James 3:9-12
9
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse
men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come
praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh
water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a
fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt
spring produce fresh water.
Resources:
The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others
by Scot McKnight
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