Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

1 Peter 3:8-18a (NRSV)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For

“Those who desire life
and desire to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
let them seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

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Reflect

Living the life of a righteous person is not so hard when we plan it. During a quiet time of devotion or meditation, I find it easy to love everyone. Sympathy comes easy. Planning the day without any malicious intent is automatic. Inhaling the Lord and knowing I am blessed is fulfilling. Going into the world to be a blessing to others…now that is full of challenges!

Having high ideals is easy until provoked. Choosing good over evil is easier for the first lines of fire, but on days when we are in a battle all day long, we may not always feel so loving or blessed. In those times, unity seems like something easier to do with those of like mind on Sunday morning and not with the daily evils that we often face.

It seems the more mature I become in the faith, the more I realize how very important every encounter is for unity and a blessing. Never before have the divisions been more painful. There should not be divisions…only unity.

Jesus prayed that we may all be one as he and God were one. May we have unity of spirit and love for one another through Christ Jesus.

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Pray

O God, today we pray for the unity of the spirit in each of us so that we may be a part of the unity of the church at large. Give us strength to face sufferings. Grant us peace from worries. Enable us to be a blessing to others and open our hearts to continue to receive your blessings of life. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go with God.