OCTOBER 4, 2024
READ: 1 Peter 2 (Focus vs. 21-25)
MEMORY VERSE
“When they hurled their insults at [Jesus], he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23
BACKGROUND
George was working on a construction job in the heat of the Carolina Summer sun when someone living nearby walked into the yard where he was working. Clearly angry, the neighbor began to curse and criticize everything about the project and how it was being done.
George received the verbal blows without response until the angry neighbor stopped yelling. Then he gently responded, “You’ve had a really hard day, haven’t you?” Suddenly, the angry neighbor’s face softened, his head dipped, and he said, “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you.”
George’s kindness had defused the neighbor’s wrath.
There are times when we want to strike back. To give abuse for abuse and insult for insult. What George modeled instead was a kindness seen most perfectly in the way Jesus bore the consequences of our sins: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.
Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).
All of us will face moments when we’re misunderstood, misrepresented, or attacked.
We may want to respond in kind, but the heart of Jesus calls us to be kind, to pursue peace and display understanding. As He enables us today, perhaps God could use us to bless someone enduring a hard day.
By: Bill Crowder
INSIGHT
Writing to believers in Jesus suffering persecution and unjust treatment in a hostile and unbelieving world, Peter encouraged them to live godly and exemplary lives (1 Peter 2:12).
He instructed them to submit to governments, respect everyone—including the king and even cruel masters—love fellow believers, reverently fear God, persevere in doing good, and patiently endure unfair treatment, which pleases God (vv. 13-20).
They were to follow Christ’s example in enduring such suffering and unjust treatments (v. 21). His unjust suffering is at the heart of God’s salvation plan of substitutionary (or vicarious) atonement.
The sinless Savior “‘himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross” (v. 24), “the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring [us] to God” (3:18). Jesus’ suffering served God’s purpose.
We’re like sheep who’ve lost our way but because of His suffering, we “have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of [our] souls” (2:25).
By: K. T. Sim
APPLICATION
What makes it so easy to strike back at others for their unkind words? How can you be more intentional about showing kindness to those who are unkind to you?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“There are times when we want to strike back. To give abuse for abuse and insult for insult… (All of us) face moments when we’re misunderstood, misrepresented, or attacked. We may want to respond in kind, but the heart of Jesus calls us to be kind, to pursue peace and display understanding.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6
“Be careful with your words. Once spoken they can’t be taken back. Speak kindly, and complimentary. Angry words can cut like a knife and the wound can cut far deeper and last longer than any physical wound. Speak kindly, or don’t speak.” Joseph Andrus
“Words are like bullets, when you release them, you can’t call them back” African proverb
“Be careful with your words, once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten.” Anonymous
PRAYER
“Caring Father, please help me to find in You the strength, grace, and wisdom to display the heart of Jesus.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“SEASON YOUR WORDS” R.J. Stevens
Season your words with all kindness;
Stir in compassion and grace;
Spice up your comments with patience;
Flavor your language with praise.
Season your mind with all pureness;
Mix with God’s sunshine above;
Pepper your heart with His goodness;
Coat all your moments with love.
Season your life with thanksgiving;
Blend in God’s mercy and pow’r;
Spread peace and comfort in trials;
Sprinkle your journey with awe.
Season the world with the gospel;
Soak in God’s word ev’ry day.
Scatter the seeds of the kingdom;
Pour out the truth of His way.
You are the salt of the nations;
You are the seas’ning divine,
Filled with God’s grace and compassion,
Letting Christ’s love always shine.
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
1CORINTHIANS 1
