The end of all things is at hand
1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is at hand, declares the apostle Peter. With so much to distract or preoccupy us we are called to keep the goal in view. When the race is finished then comes the prize. With that in focus, Peter gives us four things to do so that our running the race keeps Christ in view – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:11). Peter begins this short list with a mindfulness of God; Therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
He continues with the second item on the list of things to occupy our anticipation of the finish line; Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Mindfulness of God will spill over in love to your neighbor, brother/sister in Christ. Love is the Hallmark of Christ followers. It demonstrates that we have come to know and understand the love He has lavished on us. We love because He first loved us. This is family love as the apostle John points out, everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him (1 John 5:1).
Peter is not appealing to how we feel about each other. Jesus’ love wasn’t demonstrated in His feelings, it was demonstrated in His investment in us. Indifference is the opposite of love. To love someone is to care for them and invest in them for their betterment. Peter draws on Proverbs 10:12 to affirm the power of Christian love to overcome sin. Not that love “sweeps it under the rug”, but love invested results in forgiveness and reconciliation. That is the gospel. Our mission is to live the gospel. By this, Jesus said, all will know that you are My disciples.
This keeps Christ in view; it magnifies Him. This love presents an enduring good for which everyone longs. It is found in Christ alone. Edmund Clowney writes, Our love, kindled by God’s love, is stretched by exercise. If love collapses at its first test, it is not worthy of the name. Love never fails. This reality exists in the one who can say, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24–25
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