Together in Christ: 'Reflecting the Goodness of God' — 1 Peter 2:8-10

Monday, March 9, 2026

Yearly Bible Reading Plans

Read through the entire bible in 2026 with our free online and printable plans.

 See Plans

[People] stumble because they do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

"Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy."

— 1 Peter 2:8-10 NLT

Key Thought

We must not live by the same values as the unsaved people around us. [1] Why? In today's verses, Peter lists several powerful reasons why we should live by Jesus' standards as we demonstrate the values of God's Kingdom to the watching world:

  • We are chosen by God to be His holy people, part of His royal family.
  • God wants us to live as His priests, declaring the goodness of God to a world trapped in darkness.
  • We are equipped to do this because we know our identity as God's people, His children, who are made for this purpose.
  • We show others God's goodness because He has blessed us with His mercy, and we want to share it with others.

We refuse to let the low standards of the world around us drag us down into its darkness. [2] Instead, we choose to reflect God's light, mercy, and goodness to those around us. [3] As God's chosen people, His priests, we enter every relationship with a specific purpose: We want to bring His blessing to the people around us.[ 4] We realize that we are God's redemptive touch that He wants to be shared with the people in our lives!

[1] Romans 12:1-2, 21.
[2] 1 John 2:15-17.
[3] Matthew 5:13-16.
[4] 1 Peter 3:8-9, 15-16.

Today's Prayer

Father, please awaken me, and awaken my brothers and sisters in Christ, to the astounding realization that You have placed us in our relationships on purpose and with purpose. You have given us these relationships - our families, friendships, coworkers, neighbors, waiters, clerks, attendants, and everyone we meet - intentionally so we can be Your blessing in them. Awaken me to my holy role of blessing others for their eternal welfare. Help me understand the opportunities You have given me for this divine calling. I ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

33 Related Resources by Heartlight

Chosen People
Devo: Together in Christ
"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show..."
1 Peter 2:10
Devo: Today's Verse
"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
1 Peter 2:9
Devo: Today's Verse
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of..."
There Are Only 2 Kingdoms: Darkness, & Light
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show..."
See All 33 Related Resources about 1 Peter 2:8-10

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Peter 2:8-10 NLT — [People] stumble because they do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. "Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, March 9, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Turn Loose God's Power' (Ep. 3:14-19)
"I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Protects Through Your Faith' (1 Pe. 1:5)
"And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalms 90:12
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Created Even You and Me!' (Jn. 1:2-3)
"[Jesus, the Word] existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Together in Christ