Pray, Love, Share

Day 330: 1 Peter 4:7-19, 5:1-14

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” - 1 Peter 4:7-8

When trying to teach little kids about the importance of morality, there are three main tenants many Christian parents use:

• Pray

• Love

• Share

I find it very interesting that these are the three Peter encourages these suffering Christians in Asia Minor to continue to live out.

If we really believe that Jesus' return is imminent, we will…

(1) Put ourselves in the best position to pray. To do it right, we will need to be self-controlled and have ready minds. What are you doing to pray every day for others intentionally? Do you journal? Do you walk and pray? Do you text prayers to others?

(2) Love each other gracefully. Where there are people, there will be sinning. Where there is sin, we will need love to cover it. Who is it that you need to forgive this Thanksgiving season?

(3) Share our homes and our meals. Shelter and food are needs everyone has. Though these take a lot of time and sacrifice, this can be the most powerful witness a Christian can have. In 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Paul writes that they shared not only the gospel but their own lives. It is powerful.

You can see easily how these prepare us and others for Jesus' return. We should still pray like the first-century church did: that He will come quickly!

"Thinking that the end of history is at the door and the Judge is about to enter through it can energize one’s prayers and lead to a specially effective focus in those prayers."  - McKnight, S. (1996). 1 Peter (p. 237)