1 Peter 2:1-5
Therefore rid yourselves of all evil, all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all slander. Like newborn babies, crave the pure milk of the word so that by it, you may grow up with the result being salvation. Certainly, you have tasted that the Lord is good! As you come to him, the Living Stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious, you also, like living stones, are being built as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to bring spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You had Peter write these words to new fellow believers, guiding them and us to turn from our evil intentions. However, this can only be accomplished by knowing and trusting in Your Son.
Since everyone—on this side of heaven—is sinful, and we are pulled towards doing things that are loveless and hurtful, we can easily deceive someone or criticize others while we do the same. We become jealous of what others have, especially when someone who rejects you seems to have all they desire. Temptations cause us to say things against them and others we don’t like to make ourselves feel better. Peter tells us to rid ourselves of these things and crave Your Word.
You tell us in Your Word of the forgiveness you have won for us through Jesus. He suffered our punishment so that we would have eternal life. By faith in him, we have the peace of being restored to You, and salvation is delivered to us. You have chosen us to be Your people, and by Your grace and mercy, we are called to You.
May we choose to do what is good, honest, and acceptable according to Your will, continue strengthening our faith through Your Holy Spirit and Word, and make those spiritual sacrifices to You. Also, let us share the good news of Your love and mercy with those who do not know You so that they will grow up in your salvation. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Faith in Jesus is knowing and trusting His love for you that He has forgiven all your sins, and by His work, He has gained for you your salvation and made you part of his priesthood of believers.