Devotional for Wednesday, April 18, 2018
“…For the Purpose of Prayer”
by Dona Hake
In verse one and two of 1 Peter 4 Paul exhorts for us to arm ourselves with the same attitude Christ had as He suffered in His body. Jesus did not live His life for evil human desires but rather He lived for the will of God. In verse seven Paul goes on to exhort that we need to be clear minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer, and also that we love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
“…Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.] Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].”
1 Peter 4:7
1 Peter 4:7
As we keep God and His Word the priority in our life, our decisions and actions will proceed from a heart that desires to please Him. As we are sound-minded and self-controlled as Paul spoke, of our lives will be pleasing to our Lord for we will pray and communicate as He desires us to.
Let us stay focused on what He says is the most important thing for us today. Let us purpose to live in His love that promises to never fail, and no matter what or who comes against us, that love will remind and cause us to forgive, and rise above any offense or circumstance. Thank God for that love that will always steer us to keep our heart clean, and our mind focused as we do His will.