Vital Signs: Thursday, January 16, 2025

“This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.” - ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Encouragement Across the Distance

The believers were spread out everywhere, and Peter wanted to encourage them. He wrote one letter to Christ-followers in five different places. In those days, it was not easy for a letter to make its rounds to five separate locations. Peter wanted to encourage them because he knew they were going through some very tough times. He must have had a compassionate, loving heart for those early believers.

Today, there are believers struggling in distant lands and right next door. Someone we know could use a word of encouragement, and it has never been easier to offer one.