Our Sunday school class is studying the Book of 1 Peter from Right Now Media. Peter quickly reminds us in 1 Peter 1:3-5,“ according to his great mercy he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Peter continues that we will experience suffering which will test the genuineness of our faith, 1 Peter 1:8-9, “though you do not see Him you love Him….you believe in Him and rejoice in the joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” Peter was preaching to early Christians who were facing the possibility of torture and death to help them cope with the stress of the times. Contemplating our Christian forbearers helps put our challenges into perspective and reminds us of the value of regularly remembering the joy of the Lord.
Peter then called the new Christians to strive to be holy and love others. So when we are with others who are suffering we need to remember our love of Jesus fuels our love for others no matter what their circumstances. In turn the love helps elevate the suffering and create an opportunity to share the source of love from the all accepting Lord Jesus Christ, our Living Hope.
-Dave S.