Service of Love

The Message Bible says this so well: Verses 7-11--Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

I don't know how many times of late, someone has commented how this must be the start of the end times. They note how sinful our world has become. They point to the hate and evil which seems to be taking over society. And then there is the climate; the storms, the wild fires and on and on. 

I believe all this may be true, but the most important point to be making here is we are to "love each other as if your life depended on it." (verse 12) If this was our go-to behavior, relational conflict would end. There would still be storms and fires, but because we love first and foremost, we would help one another through these difficulties.

As Proverbs 10:12 says: Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

Peter has carefully set out before us the way we are to serve. Everything we do is in a context of love, love and love. No matter if Jesus comes tomorrow or in two-thousand years, love is still the only way to live. Love keeps us engaged with God and His will for the world. As we all know, when we love others, when we are in love with someone special, when we love our neighbor, our hearts are light and we are happier than when burdened by hate.


1 Peter 4:7-11