1 Peter 1:17-23 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 1:17-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. Verse 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, Verse 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. Verse 20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Verse 21Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Verse 22Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. Verse 23You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
Devotion
My mind goes to John 3:17 when I read this passage. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus saves us. If I were left to my good behavior, I wouldn’t make it out of town much less to heaven. The truth mentioned is that God loves us despite our inability to do right. It is a great gift that God loves us just because of who God is. The world around us judges harshly. We judge ourselves harshly. Left to ourselves there is no getting away from the sin that dwells within us. Only God makes us worthy. As worthy people of God we are called to love our neighbor and to seek the well-being of all.
Prayer
Open our hearts to the working of your Spirit within us. Give us strength and hope for the life of faith. Amen.
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