FULL RESTORATION
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV
A story is given of Simon also called Peter when Jesus prophesied his denial of him three times before the rooster crows (Matthew 26:34).
Shortly before that Jesus had told him that Satan had sought to sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31) but notice that Christ had said it was Simon that was being sifted, not the new identity which was to be revealed as a rock on which the church was to be founded on. Child of God, when our Lord restored Simon, He also changed his name to fit his identity as the first father in the church and that was after he had experienced need for restoration that his compassion may be extended to those who would certainly need it.
He called him the Rock — Peter. The most difficult experiences of our life tend to make us more enduring and that is why we don’t shun tribulation. Let it never be said of you that you stood as a hindrance to a brother or a sister who has been restored regardless of their past faults.
Prayer: Father I thank you for this truth. I thank you for your kindness and mercy extended to me that I may also extend the same to my brothers and sisters. May it never be said of me that I withheld grace to one in need of it, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
