January 15, 2016

1 Peter 4:7-9 “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. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (ESV)

Again we see Scripture that points to the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. We are reminded that Christ may return at any time and we are to keep our wits about us so that we might be prepared. But, above all, we are called to love. We need to love everyone; those who are easy to love and those who are hard to love. When we focus on loving others, it is so much easier to tolerate the things they do that offend us. When we focus on loving others, we begin to view them through the lens that Jesus sees them, rather than our own narrow-minded sight. When we focus on loving others we want to be hospitable rather than hostile, which is God’s desire. Let’s give it a try this week. Pick someone who you feel hostile about and try praying that God will soften your heart and help you to love that person. At the end of the week you might be surprised just how easy it can be to love another when you are full of God’s grace. Thank you, God!