How can I live my life so that it is pleasing to God?
I ask this question of myself and the text in various ways. And I am always listening for answers to this question in the Word? Today I came across another facet of God’s answer in 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 of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 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.
Love one another deeply. Offer others hospitality happily. Use your gifts to serve others faithfully. In all these things God is praised.
Pretty straightforward.
In fact as I consider the great commandment, ‘Love God with heart, soul, mind and strength and love neighbor as self’, I thought Peter’s words offer a practical ‘how to’ for the neighbor aspect of the commandment. Love one another deeply. Offer others hospitality happily. Use your gifts to serve others faithfully.
As if a switch was flipped, I found myself thinking, ‘What could I do today to fulfill this Word?.
It is, after all, living the Word not just thinking about it that matters…
Lord, lead me today to put these words into action. How can I love those I meet today deeply? What hospitality can I offer today? Help me use my gifts, for others and not just for self. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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