3 day plan

Make Love Your Legacy - Part 2

Day 2 of 3

NIV

1 Peter 4:8

8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

What does this mean? It does not mean that by simply loving others more we can ‘balance out’ all our wrong doings. We could never love big enough to do that. But Jesus can.

Jesus’ love and personal sacrifice covered every sin for those who place their faith in Him. He chose love and chose to take the penalty of our sins.

We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). Love is peace, kindness, patience, self-control. (Love is not being a ‘doormat’, and putting up with toxic people or situations though. We must love and care for ourselves too.)

Every day we have choices in how we treat others. We can choose to act in love or anger; love or bitterness. When we mess up, we choose humility and love in apologising. When someone is struggling, love and kindness can be our response. Choose love, in how we treat others and ourselves.

Question
Is there a person or situation where you find it hard to show love?

Prayer
God, help us to be loving when it is difficult, and help us to understand the great love you have for us. Amen.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Days

1
2
3

1 Peter 4:1-19

Living for God

1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for Being a Christian

12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.