I Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
As Peter continues to address these believers he knows are suffering for their faith, he continues to challenge them to not live for the things of this life, but to be future-centered. He opens the chapter talking about all the evil surrounding them and how they stick out as odd amid such wickedness. They are to pursue purity in the midst of that. In this middle paragraph he goes on to remind them to stand together in unity. As the church we together hold the grace of God in our hearts and hands, to serve one another and to shine the light in this dark world. After what seems like a concluding benediction in verse 11, Peter goes on to remind them (and us) to make sure our suffering is indeed for Christ and not our own wrongdoing. We need to do right no matter what wrong is done to us.
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