I Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 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.
Personal glimpses of Peter's times with Jesus peek through in this passage. He had failed to pray in the garden the night Jesus was betrayed; now he exhorts us to stay alert and pray. He had been the first to judge others as unfit as followers of Jesus, now he calls for a blanket of forgiveness. He, like the others wanted to be head over all, yet now, after being the lead apostle, wants to be a servant. He had proposed building altars to Jesus, Moses and Elijah; now he aims for all Glory to God to God through Jesus Christ. What a summary of how we should view life: thankful for the opportunities to love, serve, forgive, show hospitality - doing all we can for the glory of God, prayerfully depending on Him for the grace we need to do so, as we wait for Christ's return. What a reminder to give ourselves, just like Peter did.
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