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The recent passages have been addressing specific relationships within the framework of a Christian life. Peter now shifts his focus to all believers. First, we are called to love one another. We are to be like-minded, sympathetic, compassionate and humble. As believers, we should look to the example of Jesus. How did Jesus treat others? Was he quick-tempered? Did he show compassion or disdain to those less fortunate than him? Of all the people in history, no one was more powerful or more worthy of pride than Jesus, yet he gave himself for others willingly. That is the picture of humility. How can we live like this? What happens if we live like this and others don’t?
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“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” – John 13:34
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Forgiveness is choosing to give up your right to punish the offender. Instead of holding someone accountable for their offense against us, we choose not to pay them back. This is a real sign of our ability to trust God. We are surrendering the offense to the One truly in control—God. Even when we have the perceived right to punish, we are called to not pay back evil for evil. The old covenant said, “an eye for an eye.” Jesus tells us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Jesus said, in essence, “Take my eye instead of the offender’s.” Who do I need to forgive? Have I been seeking to pay back someone for an offense, real or perceived?
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“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
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Repentance means turning away from evil and doing what is good. We are called to turn from sin and live in obedience to the commands of God. The trend today is to explain and justify living counter to the Bible. “It was a cultural command. That doesn’t apply. It doesn’t feel right.” The purpose of the commands in the Bible is not to hurt us, but to guide us into right living, in line with God’s great plans for us. We should not seek to explain away difficult commands, but should see how we can live in obedience to them. Are there rules in the Bible that I don’t understand? Are there things I need to turn away from so that I can do what is good?
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“The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.” – Psalm 19:7
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For Further Study:
Read Matthew 6:5-15. This passage includes the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus gives us practical instruction on how to pray.
For Prayer:
Pray for Derrick and Rae Sekamalira. Our missionaries in Kampala, Uganda are seeking to develop Christian leaders in Uganda. Click HERE to read more about the work they are doing.