“And above all things have fervent love among ourselves; For Love shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” 1 Peter 4:8-9
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“So I can count on you to work the Thanksgiving shift then?” Rhoda’s manager eyed her up and down suspiciously.
“Yes, for sure.” Rhoda turned on her heel quickly. She didn’t like being scrutinized like that.
Trying to look as busy as she could, Rhoda focused on restocking the napkins in the metal dispensers.
“At least I won’t have to answer probing questions about what I’m doing with my life.” Rhoda’s mind reeled as she thought about the last few holidays she made an effort to attend.
After years of painful experiences, Rhoda decided that the holidays were just another day for her to earn time and half; nothing more and nothing less.
One of her tables burst out in a smatter of uncontrollable laughter. It snapped Rhonda back into the reality that she had tables to wait on, not troubles to fester about.
“Does anyone need a refill on their drinks?” Rhonda rushed over and waved her half-filled pitcher of Coke in the air.
“Yes dear, bring some of that goodness over here.” A gentle woman in her seventies tilted her glass in Rhonda’s direction.
Rhonda couldn’t help but notice the strong resemblance that little lady had to her precious Aunt Sadie.
She poured the drink and hustled back to the kitchen checking on their appetizers.
Something about that woman’s face made Rhonda think about the message of love her pastor had preached on this past Sunday. He spoke on 1 Peter 4:8-9; verses that emphasized the power of love that Believers in Christ were encouraged to work in, despite the circumstances that would challenge the effort.
Even though Rhonda was positive her family would put her through the emotional ringer, she also knew a simple hug from Rhonda would make Aunt Sadie’s whole year.
“Hey, Becky. On second thought, I won’t be able to work this Thanksgiving.” She picked up her tray with a faint smile.
Although this year held no promises to be much different from the previous holidays; Rhonda saw it as a new opportunity to see what love she could give, instead of looking for what love she would get.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Believers in Christ were called to be supernaturally different. Christ’s whole message on earth was about sacrificial love.
Many people aren’t moved by the message of Christ, because the ones who claim His name don’t walk in His power. Love is power, especially in an environment that is lacking in the true stuff.
Lord, help me to be willing to go out on a limb for you. Help me to go out into this cold-hearted world and risk being hurt. Help me to love the unloveable.
I know that Christ did it for me. Let the pain He bore on the cross carry me through my pain today. He died for me, the least I could do is live for Him. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 1 Peter 4:8-9
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!