Love Each Other
(NIV) 1 Pe 4:7 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.
Short and sweet. Today’s scripture is one of my favorites. Two thousand years ago Peter said the end is near. And today I can say the end is closer than ever before. For me, the anticipated return of Jesus is exciting. But I recognize some people are not enthusiastic about this prospect. In fact, I have said, “Jesus is coming soon,” and have heard the panicked reply, “Oh, I hope not.”
I get it. When I was young, I can recall thinking I am looking for the soon return of Jesus, but please wait until…” I would like to tell you that until meant, “please wait until more people have received salvation.” But I remember thinking, “Please wait until I (get my promotion, get married, have a baby). Do you see where I was at that time? My mind and my heart were not yet heavenly minded because I was tethered to this world.
Peter goes on to caution the readers of this letter to be alert and sober minded? Why? So they can pray. Could it be that our prayers are not effective because we fail to meet these two criteria?
And then Peter says to love deeply. Why? Because love covers a multitude of sins. Oh, how I love this. When we can incorporate this truth into our very being, then we will love more, give more, speak more kindness, and isn’t this the will of God?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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