Above all, keep loving one another earnestly,
since love covers a multitude of sins.
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,
as good stewards of God's varied grace.
1 Peter 4: 8-10
Peter doesn't candy-coat the truth: we will all experience difficulties. Suffering is a part of our identity as Christians and instead of trying to escape suffering, we are to run to God. We pray in earnest to him and we love and serve others through our own pain and hardship.
As you may know, we've been learning about the lives of some truly fascinating individuals including St. Patrick, Betsey Stockton, Pandita Ramabai, and Corrie Ten Boom. Although each lived in a different time and experienced different hardship (including captivity, injustice, inequality and war), they each chose to live a life that glorifies God. They each lived out 1 Peter 4:13, which says "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
This week, we learn about Dr. Tyler Sexton. He was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts common motor skills (movement and posture) and other related conditions. While he endured 16 surgeries, countless hours of therapy, other challenges and setbacks, he is still choosing each day to to live a life that serves others. Dr. Sexton is a physician specializing in pediatrics and hyperbaric medicine in Mississippi.
Join us at ResKids on Sunday to learn more about his life!
ResKids lesson for May 16:
Bible Memory Verse:
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 1 Peter 3:8, NLT
Bible Passages:
1 Peter 4: 1 - 11
For more on Dr. Tyler Sexton
1. Visit Tyler Sexton's website for more on his life story and ministry
2. Read his memoir No Such Thing as Can't
3. Watch a short video about his life story.