1 Peter 2:19-25 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 2:19-25 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. Verse 20If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. Verse 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. Verse 22"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." Verse 23When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. Verse 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. Verse 25For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Devotion
Whether we read it or sing it, these are powerful words, "by his wounds you have been healed." I don’t think seminary or any training could have prepared me for the work I would be called to do in walking with people in their pain. It didn't take long in ministry for me to realize that we are all in need of some healing. We have our wounds and hurts that we carry with us. We have our own struggles of guilt and shame that weigh us down.
There are times when we need the church, because we are the wounded in need of healing. And, there are times where we get to be the church, when we help to provide healing to the wounded. How is your faith leading you to journey with and care for another? How is this good news of God's grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ calling to you care for others as you come alongside them in their journey?
Prayer
Merciful God, open our hearts to know your love and follow your call to care for others with whom you have called us into relationship in the midst of their need. In Jesus' name. Amen.