Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been manifested what we will be. We know that if He is manifested, we will be like Him because we will see Him even as He is.

— 1 John 3:2

15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your conduct;

16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

— 1 Peter 1:15-16

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

— Matthew 28:19-20

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and manifests through us the aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;

16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

— 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

God’s Word reveals that when Christ appears, believers will not only see Jesus, but they will also be like Him. Therefore, following God’s command to pursue holiness is a logical goal for every believer. God also commissioned His people to witness for Him. Words, deeds, and attitudes that reflect God’s character reveal Him to a watching world.

Confession of faith in Jesus Christ, accompanied by the proof of a transformed life set apart to God, attracts those who are being drawn to the Savior while convicting those who reject Him. Heaven’s reality helps believers resist this world’s poisonous enticements toward sin. God uses His people to bless a world broken by sin while they await His glorious presence. At His return, Jesus will perfectly reestablish justice in the world.