Good morning! Today is a new day. It is another day that we can choose to change or refine our character. It’s never too late to change. Join me as we continue in 1 Peter chapter 3.

BIBLEVERSE – 1 Peter 3:8-9 NLT
“⁸ Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. ⁹ Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”

REFLECTION
While Peter addressed the Christians living in a pagan society, his words address us too because we also live in a world that has moved far away from God. In these verses, Peter addressed everyone  “all of you”, and challenged us to be like minded in Christ Jesus, understanding, loving and compassionate.

In his instructions, “not to repay evil for evil, or retaliate” he directs us to display God’s character in all of our circumstances.

May I encourage you to:

• Pray for those who committed evil against you or have insulted you.

• Pray for yourself when evil has been done to you, so that your heart will be open to the discernment and wisdom of God.

• Allow the Holy Spirit to redirect your anger and your response.

• Do not let bitterness and anger to control you, but be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Questions to ponder:
Who do you need to pray for? _________

What situation do you need to pray about? ____

PRAYERS
Father God, you know the difficulties that we have living in a pagan society. You know our temptations, frustration and our concerns. Lord, you even know our fears. Lord, today we commit to living the challenge Peter set before us. Lord, help us to keep a humble heart as we seek to pray for those who are evil or who have insulted us. Lord, as we pray for them, strengthen our faith in you. Transform us to respond in a way that pleases you and does not harm us (mentally, emotionally, spiritually or physically). Lord, we lift up our brothers and sisters of the faith and ask that you continue to unveil our eyes so that we can see more of you in this world. Lord, we pray for our leadership in this country, other nations, local and state. Lord, we ask that you enter their hearts and send your Holy Spirit to convict any evil plots or intentional harm toward groups of people. Lord, keep them humble and make them pure in heart. Lord, protect us, keep us and continue to change us. Lord, be with those who are sick, who are battling medical conditions, who are on pain, and who have chronic health conditions. Lord, cure their ailments and comfort them. Lord, where the providers have given little hope, may Your healing power turn their situations around. Lord, begin to improve test results, easy the financial burdens. Be with those in need of employment and those in need of financial assistance – Lord, provide for all their needs.
In Jesus name, amen.

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PRAYER REQUEST
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