1 Peter 2:12 – Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (NIV)

"Now, you behave." How many times did I hear my mom say that in my childhood? If I had a penny for every time that she told me or my sister, Tracey, to behave before school, at the dinner table, before and during church, or at the mall, I'd be a wealthy woman.

Now, mind you, we were not troublemakers, and we were pretty good kids. I think that the phrase, "Now, you behave", is just one that all moms say, no matter what.

What did your mom or dad tell you?

According to my mom and dad, good behaviour is a sign of a good upbringing.

Daddy would tell us, "Straighten up and fly right!" if we were caught misbehaving — for example, arguing with each other or not sharing our toys.

As individuals, we are called to exhibit proper behaviour no matter how old we are. Today's Scripture proclaims that we should genuinely act right even among those who aren't acting right, so that they will see Jesus in us and praise Him.

One of the commandments from God that turns out to be the best example of good behaviour is to love unconditionally — to love like God loves.

John 13:34-35 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (NIV)

1 John 4:7 – Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (NIV)

So, let's remember to "Straighten up and love right!"

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for loving us and for setting the model for good behaviour and being nice. Thank You for Your unconditional love, and help us to follow Your example. Amen.

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About the author:

Becky Holland <rlhga@icloud.com>
Empire, Georgia, USA
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