“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
1 Peter 4:8-9 NLT
Peter exhorts his readers to “show deep love for each other”. This wasn’t a sentimental love, but a love based on actions rather than thoughts and emotions. And Peter writes that this love “covers a multitude of sins”. One thing that this world lacks is the agape love, the deep love, that characterises Christians everywhere. The ways of the world are focused on the “what’s in it for me” syndrome, with little loving thoughts for others, but Peter explained that this “deep love” is most important, and indeed it is because without it our fellowships would disintegrate.
Peter envisages his readers are in fellowship groups where this love brings forgiveness, covering over any sin that is present. Sins perhaps committed against each other, like angry outbursts, or petty theft. Gossip or the like. And the “deep love” present between the believers will motivate them to reach out to each other, and not reply in kind in a worldly way. However, we notice that before there can be forgiveness there has to be repentance. The words of Jesus from Luke 17:3-4, “So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive””. Peter probably remembered the time when he asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone. Matthew 18:21-22, “Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” We should remember that God has forgiven us many times over for our sins. The least we can do is to extend that grace to those who sin against us.
Peter continue to encourage his readers with the exhortation to be hospitable. In Hebrews 13:2 we read, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realising it!” In my own experience, there have been times when my wife and I have invited a visitor to our church back for Sunday lunch, but during the drive home we have fretted over whether or not the roast joint would be big enough. And amazingly, prayer during the carving worked wonders! Why do we worry with such a loving Heavenly Father who knows just what we need? But do we know anyone who needs a meal? Or who needs a bed for the night? In Peter’s society that might have been a common occurrence, but is less so today. Nevertheless, we always need to be prepared.
Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends“. This is a verse often used in an evangelistic way, but in the context of Revelation 3, Jesus was speaking to Christians. Perhaps one day there will be a knock at our door, with Jesus waiting to come in. We may not recognise Him (remember the disciples on the Emmaus Road?) but we always need to be ready to be hospitable to strangers.
Dear Lord. You do indeed knock at the doors of our hearts, when we neglect Your and Your ways. Please forgive us, we pray. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 