In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. - 1 Peter 1:6–9
As we begin to read First Peter, we are immediately struck by an important reminder in just the first seven verses. I commend them to you all. My commendation and prayer for you is that in whatever you may confront, you will be reminded of these marvelous truths, and if you have yet to come to an understanding of how much God loves you, may that change starting now!
If I may be allowed to paraphrase:
"Rejoice in this, that if you believe you have been set apart by the Holy Spirit, chosen by the Father, and sprinkled by the blood of Jesus Christ. Your new birth has given you a living hope, an imperishable, uncorrupted, unfading inheritance that is kept in heaven as you are protected by God's power through faith.
Dear Christ-follower, no matter what you may be facing, REJOICE IN THIS!
Spirit-filled souls are ablaze for God. They love with a love that glows. They serve with a faith that kindles. They serve with a devotion that consumes. They hate sin with a fierceness that burns. They rejoice with a joy that radiates. Love is perfected in the fire of God. - Samuel Chadwick
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