Friday, September 24: 1Peter 4- Above all.

Okay, we have chosen to follow Jesus and to bear His name. We are Christians, Christ-followers, we worship in a community… Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Protestant of some stripe or color, or Roman Catholic or Orthodox or some other brand. We worship in English or German or Hausa or Russian… great, wonderful.  All of that defines who we are and the nuances of what we believe.  But how are we to live as men and women who believe in and follow Jesus as Lord, God and Savior?

Peter provides us with a quick snapshot of life for those who would follow Jesus. Verses 8-11: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it 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.

Love, offer hospitality, use your gifts, administer God’s grace in all its forms… your words as if you were speaking for God… serve others with strength. As we do these things, God will be praised through Jesus Christ.

Not the sum total of living for Jesus but a snapshot, a summary.

Go back and walk slowly through the verbs and descriptors. Now think, how can you apply these verbs and descriptors in your life today with the people you will meet?

You see it doesn’t matter what brand of Christ-follower you may be, this snapshot is for all of us.

O, God, help me to live for You today. Help me to love and serve, speak and show hospitality in Your name through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

 

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