We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Hannah Winslow.
Bible Reading:
“15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 2:15-20
Word:
In this passage, we are being called to endure suffering on behalf of unbelievers, just as Christ has endured ultimate suffering and God’s wrath for us. This passage is a reminder of what Jesus has endured and accomplished for us, and the implications that his works have on our lives.
Although Jesus is one with God, he submitted to the Father’s will and accomplished it. “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man. And being found in human form, he humbled himself being obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8). Christ endured insults, suffering, and death at the hands of the ones he came to save, and yet he endured these things in order to accomplish the Father’s will.
As Christians, we are to be servants of Christ and to continue the work of redemption that he has made possible for every person who believes, submits, and lives for him. He is our example. We are to endure hardships and keep our focus on the kingdom of Heaven even the during the good times. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we have the ability and responsibility to honor and serve the Lord in it!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the work of Christ that allows us the opportunity to accept forgiveness and be redeemed. We pray that you continue the good work that you have begun in us. We pray that we endure the trials that come upon us and to show Christ-likeness. Continue to strengthen us and give us wisdom through what we are going through. Thank you for being faithful and helping us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Skillwork:
Read 1 Peter 2 and meditate on what Christ has done for you, and how your life should reflect his as a result of his work. Ask God what he wants to teach you through the hardships you are in.
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