The Rescue Week 34, Devotion 1 Week 34, Devotion 2
The Rescue Week 34, Devotion 1 “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 All of us have been hurt by someone. Unfortunately, it’s a part of life. Another part of life is revenge—at least wanting it. Be honest: have you ever imagined what it would be like to get back at someone who hurt you? Have you ever planned it out in your mind, even if you knew you’d never go through with it? Maybe it was the so-called “friend” who ended up stabbing you in the back. Or, perhaps it was a sibling who can’t ever seem to say anything nice to you. Maybe it’s a teacher or a coach you’d swear has it out for you. Have you ever wondered whether Jesus wanted revenge? I know, it’s a weird thing to think about. Even if you’ve never asked that question, you’re about to get the answer. Read 1 Peter 2:21-23. Jesus was hurt in unimaginable ways when He died on the cross for you. He suffered, and He didn’t deserve even a little bit of that suffering. And, did you read what Peter said about Jesus? Jesus didn’t fight back or retaliate. One of the most painful realities of life is that people will hurt you. Sometimes even people you love. We don’t get to choose when and where people will hurt us, but what we do get to choose is how we respond. Jesus invites you to follow in His steps and respond the way He did. Questions to ponder . . . Have you ever gotten revenge or retaliated against someone who hurt you? How did that feel? Did the hurt go away? Think back to the Bible Study from this week. What was the one area where you said you would put this week’s study into practice? How’s it going?
Week 34, Devotion 2 This week we read in 1 Peter that instead of seeking revenge against those who hurt Him, Jesus entrusted Himself to God, who judges justly. Today, you’re going to practice doing that. Pick one person who has hurt you whom you have thought about hurting back in some way. Write a letter to God about that person and how they hurt you. Be honest with God about how you feel, maybe even how it is hard to trust Him in that situation. You don’t have to send the letter. But if you want to, go for it.
Week 34, Devotion 3 “Resentment is like drinking a poison and then waiting for the other person to die.” – Unknown That’s quite a take on what we heard Jesus say this week, isn’t it? Questions to ponder… Do you think the quote is true? How have you seen it to be true in your life? Who is one person you are bitter or resentful toward right now? Do you wish you could get revenge on that person? What is that doing to your heart? Spend some time praying for that person and asking God how you can choose to respond to this person with love instead of retaliation.
Week 34, Devotion 2 This week we read in 1 Peter that instead of seeking revenge against those who hurt Him, Jesus entrusted Himself to God, who judges justly. Today, you’re going to practice doing that. Pick one person who has hurt you whom you have thought about hurting back in some way. Write a letter to God about that person and how they hurt you. Be honest with God about how you feel, maybe even how it is hard to trust Him in that situation. You don’t have to send the letter. But if you want to, go for it.
Week 34, Devotion 3 “Resentment is like drinking a poison and then waiting for the other person to die.” – Unknown That’s quite a take on what we heard Jesus say this week, isn’t it? Questions to ponder… Do you think the quote is true? How have you seen it to be true in your life? Who is one person you are bitter or resentful toward right now? Do you wish you could get revenge on that person? What is that doing to your heart? Spend some time praying for that person and asking God how you can choose to respond to this person with love instead of retaliation.
