We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Ryan Grinnell.
Bible Reading:
1 Peter 4:1-11
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,[a] arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Word:
I had the incredible opportunity this weekend to attend the CrossFit Level 2 seminar. It is indeed encouraging how much wisdom you can get in one weekend. The purpose of the level 2 seminar is to help coaches become better coaches, be the example in the gym from the way we train to the way we train other athletes, to hold ourselves to a higher standard.
One theme that surfaced over and over this weekend was ‘relentless.’ The seminar staff encouraged all of us eager coaches to learn to be relentless in our corrections. It may be a challenge; still, it will help each athlete be better and get stronger – not necessarily looking for perfection but looking for improvement.
In today’s focus verse, Peter makes this statement for us, the examples of Christ, to be fervent in our love for one another. This term fervent means to be stretched, to be strained; it describes a runner moving at maximum speed with firm muscles straining and stretching to their very limit displaying their true strength for the moment. Peter is encouraging us, Christ-followers, to stretch to strain, to put everything we have into loving one another. To be relentless in our love!
This kind of love will help us overlook sins and always be ready to forgive insults and unkindness. Peter reminds us in this same chapter that Christ suffered in the flesh and died for us, so we too should arm yourselves like warriors with the same purpose, being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing to God. This love will not always be easy, but God will supply you with the strength to stretch your love so that God may be glorified in all things.
Like the level 2 seminar calls us coaches to be better coaches, the bible calls Christians to be better Christ-followers, holding ourselves to a higher standard. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) In being relentless in our love, we will be the example that will help those that are around us be better—never looking for perfection, only progress!
Prayer:
Father, I want to operate from a place of love, the kind of love you have graciously given to me so that others will see and know that I am Your disciple. I am asking for your strength to help me in my weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Skillwork:
As you go about your day, be aware of your desire to grumble and complain. When you find yourself in that challenging place, remember how much love God has showered on you! Ask for His help to arm yourself, like a warrior, with the same love. Stretch your love!
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