Morning
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and
everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. § You did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. § He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself.
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. § In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. § That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:7; Rom. 5:5; 8:15–16; 1 John 5:10; 4:9; Eph. 1:7; 2:7; 1 John 4:11
Evening
Reproach has broken my heart.
Is this not the carpenter’s son?” § “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” § “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” § “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.” § “We know that this Man is a sinner.” § “He deceives the people.” § “This Man blasphemes!” § “Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!”
It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. § For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully… For to this you were called, because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. § If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you.
Ps. 69:20; Matt. 13:55; John 1:46; 8:48; Matt. 9:34; John 9:24;
7:12; Matt. 9:3; 11:19; Matt. 10:25; 1 Peter 2:19, 21–23; 4:14
