Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Scripture Readings
- Primary Reading: 1 Peter 4
- Secondary Reading: Psalms 35
Key Verse
1 Peter 4:10 — “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Devotional Thought
Peter writes to believers scattered across Asia Minor who had already discovered that following Christ could cost them friendships, standing, and safety. In 1 Peter 4 he calls them to arm themselves with the same mind Christ had—the willingness to suffer rather than sin. The old life, with its “lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries,” belonged to the past. Their neighbors now found it strange that they no longer joined the riot, and they spoke evil of them for it. Peter does not soften this. He simply reminds them that everyone will give account to the One ready to judge the quick and the dead, and that the end of all things is at hand. Soberness, watchfulness, and prayer are not grim duties but the clear-eyed posture of people who know the story is nearly told.
What strikes me is how quickly Peter turns from suffering to community. “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” Then hospitality without grudging. Then every believer using whatever gift he has received to minister to the others, speaking as the oracles of God, serving with the ability God supplies—all so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The fiery trial is real, but it is not faced alone. It is faced in a body of people who love, feed, house, and serve one another. Suffering as a Christian is never shameful; suffering as a murderer or thief or busybody is another matter entirely. But suffering for the name of Christ means the Spirit of glory rests upon you.
Psalm 35 gives voice to what that suffering often feels like from the inside. David cries out, “Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me.” He describes false witnesses rising up, enemies rewarding him evil for good, people he had mourned for in sackcloth now rejoicing at his downfall. “They gnashed upon me with their teeth.” He asks how long God will look on. Yet even in the raw complaint, he does not abandon hope: “My soul shall be joyful in the LORD.” He commits his cause to the God who delivers the poor from him that is too strong for him.
We read these chapters in late March, when the Church is walking through Lent toward the cross. It is a season that teaches us not to be surprised by the fiery trial, as though some strange thing happened to us. Christ suffered in the flesh; we who bear His name should not expect a smoother road than He walked. But Lent is also a season of community—of fasting together, praying together, serving together, and looking forward together to resurrection joy. Peter’s instruction and David’s lament meet us here: suffer well, love fervently, serve faithfully, and commit your soul to a faithful Creator.
Reflection
- When your neighbors or coworkers find it strange that you no longer run with them, do you respond with quiet faithfulness and fervent charity, or with defensiveness and withdrawal?
- Peter says every believer has received a gift to minister to others. What gift has God given you, and are you using it to serve the body—or waiting for someone more qualified?
Prayer
Faithful Creator, we commit our souls to You in well doing, as those who trust the One who judges righteously. When we are reproached for the name of Christ, let us not be ashamed but glorify You. Give us fervent charity toward one another, hospitality without grudging, and the courage to use every gift You have given for the good of Your people and the glory of Jesus Christ. Plead our cause, O Lord, against those who strive with us, and let our souls rejoice in Your salvation. Amen.
Psalm Verse
Psalms 35:1 — “Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.”