![]() ![]() If we simply take to pointing out one another’s flaws, we will bite, devour, and ultimately destroy one another – and there will be no encouragement among us. We all have different personalities and we all struggle in different ways. But the general rule for how we are to interact is to love one another to the point of overlooking some of those faults that might otherwise cause division. There is a time for correction, a time for rebuke, and even a time for excommunication. Now, this isn’t meant to say that church discipline is wrong or that we should live with everything that each of us does. But we are to love one another to the point that it covers over those sins. We all have our sinful tendencies and we know that there are some who might rub us the wrong way. That’s the second part of the observation that I think is great here – because people within the church will not always be loveable. What Peter calls us to is to extend that sin-covering love to one another. Not one of us would stand in God’s presence without condemnation if it were not for the covering death of Jesus. Christ’s death atones, or covers, our sins. By drawing on this image, Peter is reminding us of how we are all forgiven. His love for his people covered a multitude of sins by accepting the sacrifice. In both cases, the motivation for God’s action is love. The blood would be put upon the mercy seat to cover the sins of God’s people. When we come to the Old Testament sacrifices in Exodus and Leviticus, we find that the idea of covering for sins is drawn on again. Through providing clothing, the death of the animal covered their shame. God covered their shame by offering the first sacrifice. When Adam and Eve sinned, they saw that they were naked and so they hid. This is a fascinating observation on two levels. ![]() Then he adds, “since love covers a multitude of sins.” Not only do we serve one another with the gifts we have but we love one another as best as we are able. It could even be translated to mean a ‘zealous, or enthusiastic, way.’ We are to be zealous for one another, other Christians in the body of Christ. Right in the middle of these instructions, Peter tells us that we are to love one another earnestly that is, in a sincere and fervent way. The call is to diligence, yes, but it is diligence in the ordinary. The end of all things is at hand, so we are to use our gifts to bless one another we are to be self-controlled and sober-minded. He gives quite ordinary instructions for an ordinary Christian life. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies.” He doesn’t tell us to sell all our belongings and go wait on the top of a mountain somewhere. ![]() Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Peter continues: Therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. This isn’t a doom and gloom prophecy, but a reminder that since Christ has come, all the promises are fulfilled in him. The Apostle Peter makes clear that the end of all things is at hand (1 Peter 4:7).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |