[You can read the passage here]
In the midst of persecution and suffering, Peter exhorts the believers to continue praying and to love each other deeply.
Praying helps us to maintain our relationship with our God. We are to be clear minded and self controlled so that we can pray (v 7).
Being clear minded is to see God in the center of everything and that God is in control. We are to pray intelligently with purpose and understanding. In times of adversity, we may have feelings of anger, hatred, vengefulness. Such negative emotions are a hindrance to our prayers and must be controlled.
We are also to love one another. Verse 8 mentions that love covers a multitude of sins. When love is practiced as per 1 Cor 13:4-7, we will indeed commit less sin. Love also helps us to forgive and to overlook the sins committed against us. Peter focused on hospitality and service to one another as ways to express our love.
Hospitality extends to those whom we don’t know. In Peter’s time, Christians open up their homes to shelter other Christians who lost their homes through persecution. Today, we can provide hospitality to Christians who are away from their homes, or to those who may lose their homes through natural disaster. And we are to do so without grumbling (v 9)
We are to use our gifts to serve others. Especially in times of persecution, serving others helps to encourage them and in turn builds up the church. The source of our gift is from God, and we are to serve with the strength that God provides.
Our possessions and gifts kept to ourselves, bless no one but ourselves. What is shared and given away bless others.
(Prepared by Jit Boon)
No comments:
Post a Comment