God's grace changes us from selfish sinners to members of a harmonious household of God.
Posted : 19 Jun, 2012 06:31 AM
Bible Reading:
1 Peter 3:8�12
8 Finally , be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called , that ye should inherit a blessing . 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Devotional:
God's grace changes us from selfish sinners to members of a harmonious household of God. Since this grace is a gift from God, we must always pray. But our new life-style is also an attitude to be cultivated. We must always be learning together.
Unity and harmony, indispensable qualities in any household, are definite requirements for those who form the family of God. If God's children don't live in harmony, their talk about God's love is not credible.
"Sympathy" and "love for one another" are evidences of a change in our lives. By nature our hearts are closed to the concerns and pains of others. The wisdom of unspiritual people says we should all mind our own business. But when the fingers of God's grace open the doors and windows of our hearts, we become sensitive to the cares of others. Sympathy and love enter. And with them joy and peace slip in.
Instead of a hard heart and a proud mind we need a "tender heart" and a "humble mind." Again, these virtues are gifts of God. They descend on us in answer to prayer as soft rain on hard soil. But we must also work to cultivate this new attitude. We have to unlearn bad habits and realize that tough individualism and proud minds are weeds that don't belong in the garden of God.
