1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, after preparing your minds for action by exercising self-control, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. Rather, just as the one who called you is holy, so also be holy in everything you do. For it is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Dear Lord Jesus,
Give us strength to exercise self-control in all that we say and do, preparing our minds for the action of love. We do this by being in your word; you teach us how to love. Through Moses, you gave us the ten commandments to teach us how to love you and others. Why? Because we all deal with challenging situations that can test our resolve, especially when we deal with others. When we focus on the grace and love you have for us, we should also apply mercy to the situation, just as you have given it to us. Please forgive us when we forget this and turn to our old ways because you came to this earth and gave up your life so that we would all have the forgiveness of our sins. When we come into tense situations, be with us to demonstrate the love you have given to us. Peter reminds us how easy it is to turn to those things we did in the past, and he calls them “the things you did in ignorance.” Please send your Spirit to be with us so that we can be holy as you are holy. And as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Let us always focus on forgiveness and not anger. Amen.
Roger Emmons
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
The love of God that passes all human understanding may it keep your hearts and minds in the one true faith and prepare your heart for action. Amen.