“Therefore, I intend to remind you constantly of these things even though you know them and are well established in the truth that you now have.”
As the mom of five young children, with a master’s degree in education, this is one of my all-time favorite statements of the apostle Peter.
How many times a day do I have to remind my children to pick up their socks… or turn off the lights… or brush their teeth? Despite the fact they know their daily chores (They’re written on our fridge!), I constantly need to remind them! It would be easy to conclude that they’re just kids, and that is why they need reminding. But if I’m honest, I know that even grownups are quick to forget.
We don’t just forget what we needed to pick up at the store, or when to take out the garbage, or our wedding anniversary, we forget about who we are in Christ.
We forget that we have been cleansed from our past sins and his promises to return for us and his calling to live for His eternal kingdom!
It is easy to get bogged down by our external circumstances, discouragement, the weight of temporary problems, or consequences of sin. Forgetfulness is a condition of the broken human soul. We are so quick to forget.
I’m so thankful that God has given us many ways to combat our forgetfulness such as His word that reminds us of precious truths and a church community that speaks the truths into our lives and reminds each other often of who we are in Christ Jesus.
As God has given me reminders of who He is, I am also tasked with reminding my children daily. Yes, I remind them of things like their daily chores. But, it’s also important to remind them of God’s truths in their lives. I tell them that they are loved, that they are sinners redeemed by grace, and that God always forgives and gives us a second chance. One day we will no longer be able to remind them. But, “as long as I am in this tabernacle, I consider it right to stir you up by way of a reminder.”
Like Peter, let us, in love, remind one another of these precious truths. We are loved. We are forgiven. We are redeemed in Christ.
Our salvation and redemption are secure, and Jesus is coming again to take us home forever!
Do you have people in your life to remind you of God’s truths? Christian community is so important, especially when we walk through the valley of difficult days. Reach out to others and ask for their encouragement and support! May I encourage you, be the kind of believer and friend that reminds others often of their identity in Christ and the truths of the gospel. May they hear that they are loved and forgiven. They may need it more than you even realize!
