The ways of right-living people glow with light;
the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
1 PETER 3:14 (ABP)
But even if you're harassed for doing what is right, God will make sure you get what is due to you. So don’t stress out or back down when you're threatened.
THE ESSENCE
Hey, right-living people, don't let anyone snuff out your light.
DAILY FODDER
We're not surprised by pushback because there is always someone who feels threatened by righteousness. The challenge is to respond to their behavior with gentle, illuminating persistence rather than the kind of crass harshness they introduce into the situation.
PRAYER
True God, as we consider how dark people deal with light, we can't help but notice that your glowing righteousness outshines all darkness. Forgive me for despairing when the dark shadows of the evil empire squawk like they're taking over. Calm my mind so that I avoid getting sucked into responding in kind to their nastiness and can continue to glow with your light. I'm going to play the long game of righteousness. Amen.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
