Many people throughout history have tried to predict when Christ will return. As a young child, I remember some adults getting worked up over a book titled 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988. However, Scripture is clear that we cannot know the day or the hour of Christ’s return (Matt. 24:36). Since we don’t know when, we are called to be prepared for His arrival at any time (Matt. 24:42).
What does being prepared look like? Peter addresses that question directly. Believers are to “be alert and of sober mind” (v. 7). The word “alert” means to be sensible or keep one’s head. In other places in the New Testament, it simply means to be sane (Mark 5:15; 2 Cor. 5:13). We are to think clearly in order to pray effectively (v. 7). Most importantly, Peter counsels believers to “love each other deeply” (v. 8). When you really love another person, it is easier to overlook their faults and believe the best about them (v. 8).
One way we can show love is through hospitality (v. 9). We receive people into our homes, make them feel welcome, and meet their needs. This is to be done “without grumbling” (v. 9). We are also to use the spiritual gifts God has given us (v. 10). Peter does not list all the spiritual gifts but highlights two main categories: speaking and serving (v. 11). We are to use these gifts not for our own benefit or advancement, but “to serve others” (v. 10). We are to be faithful stewards of the talents and resources that the Lord has entrusted to us (v. 10). This is a vital way we can show love to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Go Deeper
Has God gifted you with serving or speaking? How are you using those gifts? Or, how can you begin? It is part of living in a way that brings praise to God (v. 11).
Pray with Us
God, will You please show us what gifts You have given us, and how we can use them to love one another? We want to be good stewards of all You have given us.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.1 Peter 4:8
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 