Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-2:1
Reflection: We do not seek to live a life of goodness in order to convince God to save us. Rather, it is when we discover that God loves us, and when we experience God’s life and grace, that we desire to live a good life.
As C.S. Lewis has written, “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because [God] loves us.” The writer of today’s passage makes this same point as he describes Jesus’ sacrifice for the sake of love for humanity. Then, as a response to the grace of God in Christ, we are called to live lives of beauty, truth and goodness. It makes sense that our actions would have consequences.
By showing us the power of living a life of love, kindness, and goodness, Jesus invites us to live such that we enjoy the blessed consequences of goodness – deeper connections with others, greater peace within, and a sense of meaning and purpose from participating in God’s world-restoring project. Even if we claim to love and worship Jesus, if we fail to follow his way, we cannot expect these consequences to come our way. That is simply the way the world works. How can you choose to follow the gracious, life-giving way of Jesus a little more intentionally today?
Practice for Today: One of the great gifts of praise is that it shifts our focus onto God’s goodness, beauty and truth. By doing this, the practice of praise, empowers us to follow the example of Jesus, and enjoy the consequences of a life of live. Try to express praise as much as possible today.
Prayer for Today: I praise you, God, for your grace and goodness, and for leading me in your life-giving ways.
Communion with Christ