1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection

In this passage, Peter speaks again of loving each other with this deep love. He says that this deep love covers over sin – a multitude of them. What love covers a multitude of sins? It is the outstretched love of our savior, Jesus, who blood covers your sin and mine. It is with this kind of love that we love one another. And it is this kind of love that undergirds all else that Peter encourages his readers to do. With deep, out-stretched love, we can we genuinely offer hospitality without grumbling and serve others with deep humility. With this love, we can be stewards of God’s grace and speak the very words of God. Above all, we can bring joy to our Heavenly Father and shout out His glory and power.

Response

God’s love that covers over sin is the very undercurrent of power for all that we do for each other. Believing this above all else, let’s pray that we will open our lives to serve others – our family, neighbors, roommates, coworkers and strangers. May we be the stewards of God’s grace and be the speakers of His life-giving words.