AS WE GATHER: Our Bible Reading of the Day is 1 Peter 1:3-9; 2:11-17. Jesus gives His people eternal life, purpose, and hope so they can maintain joy in trials as they seek to display faith in Christ that will draw others to Him. God’s people are called to endure life’s trials with hope, joy, and honor so that even those who wrong us might see the goodness of Christ through us. When we live in this way, we follow the pattern of   Jesus, who, for the joy that lay before Him, endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). Because of Jesus’ obedience to the Father on the cross, we who wronged Him but now trust in Him have been saved. Because we have been saved through the suffering of Jesus, we patiently endure trials and fight for joy so that we may display faith in Christ that will draw others to Him.