The Upper Room Devotion for Monday, May 6, 2024, was written by Lyla Peterson of Oregon.
Scripture
14 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:14-18 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
Our Bible study was going to be about the word grace. We were asked to share a verse about it, and I chose 2 Peter 3:18. The morning of the Bible study I looked out my apartment window. A large gray sack was lying in the parking spot next to my car. Was it a person? I didn't see any movement. I looked out a while later and saw a dingy, disheveled man standing by his sleeping bag. He was one of the many people who are homeless in our city.
I was outraged. Much money and effort has been spent on addressing homelessness in our city, yet many people remain on the streets. I took a photo of him and sent it with an email to my landlord. Then I felt an inner twinge. Whatever his situation, he was a human being, sleeping on the pavement.
I thought of 2 Peter 3:18 and began to pray, asking for guidance. I felt my heart soften. How would Jesus respond? I thought about Jesus' actions in scripture and knew that Jesus would want me to pray. Two weeks later I met a young woman holding a sign asking for help. I prayed for her and felt encouraged to talk with her. Her story surprised me, and she welcomed prayer. As we prayed together, I felt God's peace and joy.
Thought for the Day
Following Jesus' example helps me respond with love to the needs of others.
Author's Prayer
Dear Jesus, open the eyes of our hearts to see others as you do. Help us to grow in the grace and knowledge of you. Amen.