“For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
— 1 Peter 4:7-10
Beginning with “be self-controlled” vv. 7-10 are one long sentence in Greek. So the “verbs” in vv. 8-10 are participles, explaining how (at least in this chapter) Peter envisions his audience being self controlled and sober minded.
By (a) keeping love fervent (b) showing hospitality without complaining (c) and using gifts to serve one another
“Love covers a multitude of sins” is quote from Proverbs, meaning true sacrificial love among believers is bathed in forgiveness.
I don’t think I’ve reached the point of hospitality without complaining yet. Working on my generosity.
We are not reservoirs of God’s grace. We are conduits to share His goodness with others. Yes, we are given a gift per se, but really, God gives the church the gift “through” us. We are simply managers/stewards, and if we don’t edify and encourage others with how God has blessed us, then we are wasting the skills, abilities, and yes spiritual gifting that God has given all believers.
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