Love and serve one another

Love and serve one another 

S-1 Peter 4 NIV

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.  9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.   11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

O- For context we know this is a letter from Peter to the local church, likely in Jerusalem.    His reason for writing was to encourage and correct behaviors that were likely rising up in the local church as conflict between members of the church occurred as they faced the trials of being the local church.  His encouragement was to remind them to keep a sober mind and be ready to pray because that is there spiritual weapon and defense against outside forces.  He then turns inward to say their highest principle to live by is to love one another deeply because this will cover whatever internal sins remain or pop up.  Seek to humbly serve one another so that you may support one another using the gifts God has given you.   When you serve,  serve with the all the strength and skill God gives you so that you can give Him all the glory and remain a humble of God’s strength, love, and grace.

A -  The application for me is to recognize that the end is near, and my time to pray, love and serve is now.   As a member of the body of Christ I must serve those in the church who are serving.  I must do so with a deep love and hospitality so that they might be encouraged and strengthened to continue their part in the body of Christ.     I have received the the gift of teaching and leadership and need to continue to use these gifts to love, teach and serve those God has placed in front of me.   

P - Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s lesson may it be sealed to my heart.  Lord I pray that you help me to serve Chris Bryant in his search for a job at the shipyard.  I pray for wisdom and discernment for the words and actions that will help Him be aligned to your will for his life.   I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.