Waiting is something I don’t do very well. When going for an appointment I always make mental notes on what I need to do while waiting. I can not bear being idle. I am a planner, a list maker, and an organizer. Now, just because that is my personality don’t think I get everything done, or always stay on task. If that were the case, everything in my house would be spotless. However, I do have a guide and a plan.
In I Peter chapter 4 verses 7-9, Peter is teaching us to get ready for the culmination of the end of time when Christ will return. Peter was looking for Jesus in his time because he knew Jesus had said he would return, and he wanted to be ready. We should be no less confident since much time has passed. We should be living with even more anticipation of His return.
He gives us some directives in the following verses.
I Peter 4:7-9 “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
As Christians, we must always live in readiness mode. We don’t know the hour or time, but we do know He is coming. We need to stay “sober and watch unto prayer.” This means to be of sound mind or serious. The word sober and watch here both mean to be in full control of your faculties. We should not panic at the thought but should spend more and more time in prayer and service to others.
He tells us that brotherly love must lead the way in our actions. After all, it is our love for one another that shows the lost world we are real. How will we reach a lost world that is rapidly decaying unless they see us loving one another? Love is one of those qualities that appeal to everyone.
John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.”
He then tells us how we are to show that love. We are to have fervent charity, or love, for each other. In our time, the word love carries an idea of a feeling. Love is much more than an emotion. That is why I love the word charity. Charity is love that begins with a feeling but shows how you feel in actions that benefit the other person. Charity is not thinking of yourself but is selfless. When we support a “charity” we give expecting nothing in return, but with anticipation that what we have given will do someone much good. When we see the result of our charity making a difference in other’s lives it does our heart good. Charity is love in action. Love without action is nothing more than a feeling that can change at any time. Love covering a multitude of sins does not mean sins are ignored or covered up. However, true Christian love seeks to rescue one who has sinned. They want them to repent and the fellowship to be restored. They are not eager to pass on the news that the person has sinned. True Christian love, loves like Christ. Despite our sins, He still loves us. He wants to forgive us and restore us to full fellowship with Him.
We are to show hospitality to one another, not grudgingly because it is a command, but out of love. This would include providing a place to stay and food for those who are visiting the area, such as missionaries. The Greek word here for hospitality literally means loving strangers. It is good to open our homes and prepare for those we are close to, but that’s not what this is talking about. Let me say again, these are people you don’t know that well! We are to willingly, and cheerfully, open our homes to others in the faith, especially if we don’t know them. This ought to be a rule for us, not an exception to the rule. I know we all get busy, finances seem to prohibit us, or laziness creeps in, but that’s no excuse to obey. Sometimes you just have to think outside of the box and obey.
So, are you getting ready? When was the last time you had someone new in your home? Do you scan the crowd at church to find people you don’t know? Do you show love and hospitality without grumbling and complaining? Have you thought about who is watching you, or how much you have shown love for the brethren in front of them? It’s time we get serious and take account of our actions as we see the day of Christ’s return getting nearer every day.
