“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.
Because –
1Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
This is the gospel. Jesus died for the sins of mankind and rose from the dead, thus giving those who believe the hope of eternal life.
The motivator in the above verse is God’s mercy, His compassion towards mankind. We define compassion as having a deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering; understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it (WordWeb).
If we think about the concept of mercy or compassion in our human understanding, we sorely miss the implication of God’s mercy. Our compassion only extends as far as we are able to perceive someone’s circumstances. Our show of compassion is limited. How often have you tried to console someone while admitting you are not fully able to comprehend his or her pain? We get tired of showing compassion to another when it seems they are always ‘needy’. Is your attitude always one of desiring to help, or is it sometimes mixed with resentment because you have other pressing things to be done?
God’s mercy is perfect. He chose to fully embrace humankind because of His love. We deserve wrath yet He gives mercy. Mercy is something undeserved, God’s mercy is not based on our merits. God’s compassion is not limited; He knows and understands all things. God’s compassion cannot be used up; He never tires of our need for Him. God’s compassion is always available to the individual who reaches out to Him, and often is showered upon us even without our awareness.
Hebrews 4:15-16 says, For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as [we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
God’s compassion is described as great. The KJV uses the word abundant. It is plenteous. At this moment in time, the world is experiencing shortages of many items due to the Covid 19 pandemic. There does not seem to be enough medical supplies and equipment to handle the number of those infected. Paper goods and disinfectants are being rationed. Even before this virus, many individuals understood what it meant to have need. In direct contrast is the abundant mercy of our God - always enough, always available.
God’s great mercy is active. His love for us and His compassion for us was displayed in Jesus Christ. The mercy of God is so much more than a feeling, it is doing. It is more than coming alongside; it is providing the ultimate solution. It is more than simply being aware or having sympathy. God manifested His great mercy in the death and resurrection of His only Son.
How can we possible understand this and not shout for joy and thankfulness! This IS amazing grace!
1 Peter 1:3 begins with “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Blessed literally means adorable. Not as in what is seen, but adoration belonging to God because of who He is and what He has done. God deserves the praise of all mankind for his infinite mercy to the world. The commencement of 1 Peter is full of gratitude and joy. We have a living hope because of God’s love; because Jesus conquered sin and death. Without the resurrection, our hope is dead. “Whatever enemies, snares, dangers, temptations, beset us in our way to heaven, we shall be more than conquerors, if God be our keeper, and if He implants true faith in our hearts, which never faileth” (Haweis).
Praise be to God for the greatness of our salvation and for the future awaiting us in His heavens. Even with the afflictions and troubles in the world, are you blessing God for His abundant mercy, which has caused you to have a glorious hope? What is your worship?
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
