Belong, Believe and Behave

1 Peter 1: 6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Jesus first lets us all in with all stripes and colors, all our bumps and bruises and lets us know that we belong and He loves us as we are. John 8:47” Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God.” As we were open to receiving God’s unconditional love allows us to believe. We don’t have to believe in Jesus before He shows His love, compassion and desire to alleviate our pain. John 1:12 “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” Only after belonging and believing can we behave with what is expected from God. Because I belong it led me to believe, because I believe I will start to behave as God expects. Faith results in changed behavior. A great example is when in Luke 19:8 Zacchaeus the tax collector stood before the Lord and said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Rejoice! Praise, honor and the glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
David Greer