Reformation Lutheran 1997 Lenten Devotional - Number 38
March 21, 1997. Today's Bible verse is 1 Peter 3: 8-12
Bumper Sticker Theology
Usually my mornings are fast-paced so I can be at
school by 7:15, but on Saturday mornings I try not to have to
be anywhere prior to 9:00. During this relaxed prep time, I listen
to NPR News and usually learn quite a bit that I missed during
my quick perusal of the newspaper.
This week there was a segment on homeless people
in New York who live in shelters and/or cardboard boxes who have
jobs but cannot make enough to afford housing. Then on the way
to Sam's, I spotted the widely-known bumper sticker urging us
to "Practice random kindness".
The scripture passage for today ties these two concepts
together quite neatly as Peter relays to strangers in far off
lands, the basic concepts of the ministry of Jesus Christ. He
writes: "have compassion for one another . . . do not
render evil for evil ... turn from evil and do good, seek peace
and pursue it." To me, Peter is asking not that kindness
be practiced randomly, but with intent and purpose. There are
countless situations in which we can give aid and comfort, if
no more than a kind word or a shoulder to lean upon. We need
to be alert for these opportunities to practice the teachings
of Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly
Father, help us to find your path and follow in your footsteps
as closely as we are able. Stand beside us and give us strength
so that we can share it with others. Amen
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