Living Hope
Dear Church Family,
This Sunday, we continued our Living Hope series by asking a simple but powerful question:
What are you known for?
Jesus made a bold statement in John 13:34–35 — His followers would be known by their love. Not their opinions. Not their arguments. Their love.
And then, about 30 years later, Peter shows us what that kind of life actually looks like in 1 Peter 2:11–25.
Living hope produces a life that is undeniable in love and incorruptible in freedom.
Below are three key take aways from how we should represent this living hope.
1. Undeniable Love
Peter reminds us to “live such good lives” that others see it.
Our lives should make it hard for people to dismiss our faith.
At the same time, we acknowledged something important: Sometimes the reason people struggle with Jesus… is not Jesus. It’s us. A life that contradicts Jesus will never convince people to follow Him.
2. Incorruptible Freedom
We are free in Christ, but not to live for ourselves.
We are free to reflect Him.
Just because you can… doesn’t mean you should.
3. A Christlike Response
Peter ultimately points us to Jesus.
He didn’t choose bitterness.
He chose blessing.
He didn’t choose retaliation.
He reflected a gracious God.
So this week, let’s live this out in a simple, intentional way:
Show undeniable love
Walk in incorruptible freedom
Respond like Jesus, with humility and grace
And ask yourself:
Who in my life needs to experience that kind of love from me this week?
The world will know Jesus by how we love, so let’s live in a way they cannot deny.
-Pastor Aaron Perry