Be Hospitable Without Complaint

Monday, October 14, 2019



When I think of the disciple Peter I think of a man who may have been a little rough around the edges, but who spoke from his heart and said what he truly believed. He was the kind of guy who you count on to give it to you straight, no sugarcoating, no ifs, ands or buts.

His letters in the New Testament read that way. And while his style isn’t as elegant as Paul’s or John’s there is a depth to what Peter had to say. In the fourth chapter of his first letter he gives us some advice, some instruction and some encouragement.

Be hospitableHe begins by saying, “Listen, if you follow Jesus, you’re going to suffer. Jesus suffered, so be ready for it yourself, and live through that suffering for God’s will, not for you own desires.” He then goes to explain that we’ve already had enough time for those worldly pursuits. “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.” Peter then warned that ungodly people, who still practice those things will be surprised when we no longer do, and that they will malign us for it.

Then he turns to a few words of encouragement, especially when it comes to interacting with other Christians. “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” He further says that we are to use our God given gifts and abilities in serving one another “so that in all things God may be glorified.”

Peter then returns to the suffering we are to expect, “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing.”

And then, as if just to make sure we heard him the first time, Peter writes that suffering for Jesus means that we are blessed, but “make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler.” Interesting that he lumps “troublesome meddler in there with “murderer.” Maybe that should make us think of damage meddling and gossiping really causes.

Once we embrace the Gospel and seek to follow Jesus our purpose must stop being to serve only ourselves and our own desires, but we must put the things of God first and that means caring for one another.

This week during Middays Prayer Time, around 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM, I’ll be sharing from this passage.

Mon 10/14               1 Peter 4:1 – 3
Tue 10/15                1 Peter 4:4 – 7
Wed 10/16               1 Peter 4:8 – 11
Thu 10/17                1 Peter 4:12 – 14
Fri 10/18                  1 Peter 4:15 – 19


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