Surrender: A devotional on desperation, humility, and giving over

 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 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." — 1 Peter 4:8-11 Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King, This is the second time Peter instructs believers to love one another deeply, fervently. Our love for one another overlooks small offenses. Without our deep and fervent love, every little irritation becomes a grievance. It should not be that way in the body of Christ. Because this early church met in homes, hospitality was necessary. To be hospitable means welcoming people into your home, but ...

 "For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." — 1 Peter 4:3-5 Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King, Thank You for the day when I realized I had spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do. Those days are long behind me and I thank You for pulling me out of that life. I know that my life today is strange and they are astonished that I live differently. Today this shows up when non-believers are shocked that I don't value what they value. My beliefs about sexuality, gender, morality, and self-control are confusing and even repulsive to those who are far from God. As a result, they feel the conviction of their sin. That feeling is detestable to them...