Listen to today’s devo!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2)

Marion, born in Oklahoma the year of the Great Depression, lived through hard and uncertain times. She accepted the Lord at age twenty and raised nine children, for many years as a single parent following her husband’s death. Marion was a staunch believer who gave abundantly to others in need and served ceaselessly. When asked why, when her means were so scarce, she always replied that she could do no less as a servant of her Lord Jesus Christ.

Peter identified himself foremost as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the righteousness (or integrity and respectability) we receive compels us, through our belief, to be servants for Christ, glorifying God and acknowledging the gifts of grace and peace he has given through his Son.

Grace and peace go beyond unmerited favor and repose. When we are believers, God pours out his grace on us so that it transforms us to be “Jesus with skin on.” And the abundance Peter refers to? It is multiplied so we receive, and in turn give, grace upon grace upon grace, many times over. Marion gave more than she had because she saw herself as a servant of her Lord, and he multiplied her blessings many times over. We are promised grace and peace in abundance when we seek to give others a fraction of what has been given to us.

Prayerfully and humbly search how God would use you to show grace.

Susan Gordon lives in Wadsworth, Ohio, where she enjoys biking, walking, serving as a County Parks volunteer, and making memories with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.