Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 1:2
Today we prepare our hearts as our pastors unpack 1 Peter 1:1-2. As we finish with verse 2 today, we see a word of blessing to the first Christians and also to us today. In the Amplified Version of the Bible, the end of 1 Peter 1:2 reads as follows, “May grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be yours in increasing abundance [as you walk closely with God].” God gives us the richness of His grace and peace through our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. But, to fully experience God’s grace, we have to understand that grace is a gift from God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:5 & Ephesians 2:8). Because we have God’s grace, God intended us to walk in His grace through His Holy Spirit who lives in us. That “special sense of spiritual well-being” cannot be realized without us passionately pursuing Christ and His Word, for even at the end of 1 Peter 1:2, the Amplified Version notes, “as you walk closely with God.” That close walk with God is what we have to choose each day. If we are caught up with our social media account(s), job, school, and just the general busyness of life, then we’ll rob ourselves of experiencing “that special sense of spiritual well-being.” God even tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 that through our close daily fellowship with Him (in prayer, supplications, thanksgiving, requests) that then we’ll experience the fullness of His peace. So, let’s pursue Him and experience His peace.
Challenge & Application
1. What must we do not to miss the peace and grace that God richly provides for us through Christ?
2. How are you experiencing God’s rich peace and grace each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!