Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. (v. 23)
Background
Peter reminds us that because of the hope we have through Jesus, our lives should look different. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are changed and called to reject our worldly habits, prepare our minds, and fix our hope on God’s grace, living holy lives, not because we are trying to earn God’s love, but because we already belong to him.
Our hope is not based on circumstances. It is rooted in Jesus and the promise of his return. Peter also reminds us that we were not redeemed with something temporary such as money or success, but with the precious blood of Christ. That should change the way we see ourselves, our choices and the way we treat others. It can be easy for our daily worries and distractions to take over and make it difficult for us to keep our hope focused on Christ, but remembering the price Jesus paid for us can anchor us to fully trust in God’s plan.
Holiness is not simply about avoiding certain things; it is about becoming more like the God who has called us. And because we have been given new life through God’s enduring word, we are called to love one another deeply and with a pure heart.
To Ponder:
- What does it mean for you personally to 'set your hope fully' on God’s grace?
- Are there areas of your life where God is calling you to become more holy?
- Who is God calling you to love more deeply this week?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the living hope I have through Jesus. Help me to set my mind on you and to live a life that reflects your holiness. Remind me of the great price you paid for me and teach me to love others sincerely and deeply. Help me to trust your grace, especially when life is difficult, and to live each day with my hope firmly fixed on Christ. Amen.
Bible notes author: Cara Macdonald
Cara lives with her husband and five children in Glasgow. She works for the charity Mary’s Meals, which provides over three million of the world’s poorest children with a meal in school every day. She attends Newton Mearns Baptist Church and is also involved with the work of Reigate Methodist Church in Surrey, where she came to faith.