As followers of Christ, we are called to live with purpose, love, and urgency. In 1 Peter 4:7-10, the apostle Peter offers timely guidance for Christian living in a world that often feels uncertain and divided. His message is as relevant today as it was to the early church: “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
Peter’s words remind us that Christian living isn’t about waiting passively for God’s Kingdom—it’s about serving faithfully while we wait. His exhortation begins with a call to prayer, rooted in alertness and clarity of mind. This foundation of prayer anchors us and aligns our hearts with God’s will. But Peter doesn’t stop at private devotion; he immediately moves to how we treat others—especially within the body of Christ.
“Above all, love each other deeply,” Peter urges. Not superficially or out of obligation, but “deeply”. This kind of love, he says, “covers over a multitude of sins.” It’s a love that chooses grace over judgment, compassion over criticism. In our church communities, we all fall short in one way or another. But when we prioritize love, we create a space where healing, forgiveness, and growth can flourish.
One of the most practical expressions of this love is “hospitality”. Peter challenges us to welcome one another—“without grumbling”. True hospitality goes beyond opening our homes; it’s about opening our lives. It’s sharing time, meals, encouragement, and presence with those around us. In a culture that often prizes convenience, Christian hospitality stands as a quiet act of resistance—a testimony to the sacrificial love of Christ.
Finally, Peter calls us to “serve”. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Service is not optional. It’s the natural outflow of a heart transformed by grace. Whether it’s teaching Sunday school, preparing meals, visiting the sick, or simply offering a listening ear, every act of service is a thread in the beautiful tapestry of God’s work in the world.
In this season, may we take Peter’s words to heart. Let us be people of prayer, rich in love, generous in hospitality, and committed to serving one another—faithfully, joyfully, and without hesitation. For in doing so, we not only reflect Christ—we make His presence known among us.
Pastor Kevin