The lens of God’s love
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 1 Peter 2:1
This is pretty much where our world is . . . full of malice/hostility, deceptions, envy/jealousy and evil speaking. We live in an angry society that has pretty much come to the boiling point. Between the news, social media and day to day activities, you cannot even go outside of your house without hearing some angry words. Whether it’s neighbors that are upset with one another over some trivial matter or at work with people getting into each other’s space. We won’t even get into racial and political disputes. Everyone wants to fight for their rights to be right! What is really sad is when you see this angry attitude creeping into the church, the body of believers in Christ Jesus. Many Christians have gotten to the place where they will accept nothing less than perfection from others. At the first sign of imperfection, so called “Christians” can be some of the most intolerant, hypocritical people around, I’m sorry to say.
Let’s stop that! By following verses 2 and 3, we can be different than in the past and the rest of the world for that matter. If we become like newborn babes desiring the pure milk of God’s Word, we will grow up in these areas. Jesus made it very easy for us to know what the right thing to do is. He said: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have love you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34) We can use this direction to guide us in our actions and responses to those around us. Ask yourself, “how do I inject love into this situation?” When we begin to look at the world through the lens of God’s love, we will gain a whole new perspective of the possibilities.
Today I want to encourage you to put away all malice, hypocrisy and evil speaking. Begin to look at every situation as a test of your love and grace toward others. You may not be able to change the world and their reaction to every circumstance, but you will be able to change your world and influence those around you. Let’s be like the Apostle Paul and look at others with the determination to not know anything about them except salvation in Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (1Corinthians 2:2) Let’s recognize that our job in any relationship is to turn hearts toward salvation in our LORD Jesus.
Today’s scripture reading 1 Peter 2:1-3
The Daily Dose 