One House : 1 Peterਨਮੂਨਾ

Love Covers Over Sin

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:7–11 ESV

Today’s reading begins with a compelling phrase, “The end of all things is at hand.” Rather than trying to induce fear or surprise, he was making use of the language that circulated in his culture. In the first century, the “end of all things” was inaugurated by the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. So, we now live in the “last days” because we are living in a post-resurrection society. Peter uses this reality to compel his audience to remain self-controlled and sober-minded, “for the sake of your prayers.” This exhortation is rooted in a desire to offer tranquility and peace. Day by day, we draw closer to the return of Jesus. Rather than being paranoid, frightened, or stressed, Peter encourages us to remain disciplined and clear-headed. In addition, he calls us to love one another above all else. Jesus warned us that love will gradually decrease throughout the world (Matthew 24:12). So, as the world decreases in love, the church should increase in love.

Peter goes on to explain how love covers a multitude of sins. Here, he is seeking to convey that love overshadows the sins and wrongdoing of others. It is through love that I can overcome the desire to hold a grudge and choose to live in peace with others. It is through love that I can reconcile with someone who hurt me. This same love should compel us to be hospitable and dedicated to the service of others. Peter says that each believer has received unique gifts according to God’s grace. These gifts were administered by God for the sole purpose of serving others. Rather than boasting about our unique capabilities, we are called to remain humble and make every effort to bless others. If you lived every day with the mentality that Christ’s return was imminent, what would be different about your behavior? Would you strive to be more selfless with your gifts? Would you be motivated to love others more earnestly? This is the challenge that Peter gives to us. Rather than being overwhelmed by the thought of Christ’s return, we should strive to say that we ran our race well.