Devotion for Thursday, September 15, 2022

“Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh” (1 Peter 2:18).

The principle is true today.  Bosses, co-workers, and all those with whom you interact are the ones whom you treat with respect.  If it helps, simply think in terms that the other is also a precious one for whom the Lord died.  Do not treat others in reaction to how they treat you but treat them as bearers of the image of God.  We all have been created in the image of God.  This, in part, is what it means to love your neighbor.

Lord, I am a bundle of self-centered nervousness.  I do not react emotionally to others as I should.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of truth so that I would learn to simply treat others as Your beloved and not neurotically.  Teach me to be a willing servant in every circumstance and to forgive when others do not treat me as I am treating them.  I know that suffering produces endurance.  Help me learn how to endure.

Lord Jesus, my hope is in the salvation You have given me by grace.  Guide me this day to be and act impartially well to all in how I treat them.  Whether they be harsh to me or not, teach me to be Your willing servant, learning to love my neighbor as You love me.  Through all these things, guide me in the upward way in order that I would hold fast to Your goodness and mercy and see You face to face.  Help me become one in whom You are well pleased.  Amen.