Key scripture – “For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; They must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of The Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of The Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 10-12).

Do you want to embrace life and see your day fill up with good? If so, do what Peter said to do in today’s Key scripture:

1. Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Say nothing evil or hurtful, because “those who are evil are like the rolling sea. It never rests. Its waves toss up mud and sand. “There is no peace for those who are evil,” says my God” (Isaiah 57:20-21). Stop cussing, complaining, criticizing, lying, telling other peoples secrets, stretching the truth, being negative, gossiping and most of all do NOT use The Lord’s name in vain. Instead build people up with what you say to them and about them, don’t tear them down. Bless them instead of cursing them, don’t call them names, don’t think negative thoughts about them. Let the words of your mouth and meditation of your heart be pleasing to God. (Psalm 19:14).

2. Turn from evil and do good. Do the right thing at the right time. God wants us to think the right thoughts and to live the right way as we interact with others. “Don’t pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can. My dear friends, don’t try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, “I am the God who judges people. I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Do just the opposite. Scripture says, “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads.” Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good” (Romans 12:17-21). Departing from evil is not enough in the life of a follower of Jesus, we must replace evil by doing what is right, what is good. Stop being selfish, stop thinking just about your needs, help someone else who is in need, start being more generous with your time, talents, and treasures.

3. Seek peace and pursue it. Search for peace, run after it, and do everything you can to maintain it in your life. “So let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build up one another” (Romans 14:19). God looks on this type of life with approval. He will listen and respond to your prayers, but He turns His back on those who do evil things. That is why He tells us, “Turn away from evil, and do good. Look for peace, and go after it (Psalm 34:14).

Remember, the most important peace is in your relationship with God, therefore, when you sin, seek peace by immediately stopping what you are doing, pray, and ask God for forgiveness, and our Wonderful, Merciful, Righteous, Loving, Tender, Forgiving God will forgive you.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I want to live a life that honors You. Forgive me for the times when I have not responded to evil with good. I want to always pursue what is good. Let my love be without hypocrisy. I will abhor what is evil and cling to what is good. I will be affectionate to others with brotherly love, and with honor, I will give preference to others. (Romans 12:9-10). I know that I will see good, if I keep my tongue from evil, and my lips from speaking deceit. Father, lead me down paths of righteousness so that I always do good, seek peace, and I depart from all evil. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give me grace and peace. In Jesus, The Prince of Peace’s Name, I pray, Amen.