17/11/2025
SEEK DAILY (NBC)
Monday, November 17
RBT Passage: Acts 14-15
LOVE OTHERS DESPITE SUFFERING
Memory Verse: "...love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8b, NIV
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-11
1 Peter 4:1-11 NIV
[1] Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
[2] As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
[3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, or**es, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
[4] They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
[5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
[6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
[7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
[8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
[9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
[10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
[11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
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What comes to your mind when you think about the word 'love'? According to Rick Warren, "Love leaves a legacy. How you treat other people, not your wealth or accomplishment, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth."
Jesus is the perfect example of love. Because of His love for the world, He left all His glories in heaven, humbled Himself to be born of a woman, and lived physically in the flesh on earth. He suffered in His body for our sake. The Bible tells us to forget the former things; that we are no longer living the way of the past, therefore, we should walk in the consciousness of God. You must know that it is no longer you who lives but Christ who lives in you. And the life you now live in the flesh, you live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you.
As Christ's elect, we must follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ to love others despite the suffering that this might cause us. We must seek to win the lost back to Christ by loving them and preaching the gospel to them. Believers' suffering for righteousness' sake will be blessed.
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Insight: One of the great assignments Christ gave us is to pray for our enemies, not to curse them.
Prayer: O Lord help me to show love to the lost and bring them to Christ.