1 Peter 2: 21-24

1 Peter 2: 21-24 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.      "He committed no sin,       and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Jesus, Lamb of God, I BELIEVE You personally carried the wounds of my sin and the filth of my spit on Your body to the cross so that I could experience the heart of God. Because You suffered and died for me, I'm called to suffer and die for You. It's the debt of love. Clothed in Your love and righteousness, and filled with Your power when others:   Strip and offend me exposing my shame, I won't retaliate Twist the truth and prick my mind with thorny thoughts, I won't be deceived Mock and make fun of me for my faith, I won't falter Spew filth from their mouth that insults me, I won't spit back Beat and hurt me, I won't seek revenge By Your grace, sweet Jesus, I will follow Your example, exercising the heart of God on my own journey to the cross where I will die to self for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Who do you need to painfully love? Exercise God's grace, die to yourself, and love like Jesus.