1 Peter 4:7-11
7 “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Purpose of prayer: We are to pray soundly and soberly. In other words, we should pray prayers that make sense and that are biblical. We ought not pray in a way that is contrary to the Gospel or the nature of God. God is not strongarming us into praying. Therefore, we can pray without feeling forced into certain language. We are to pray according to how the Spirit is leading us to pray.
Love covers a multitude of sins: Jesus is producing love within all of His children in each moment. He is perfect love and loves us perfectly and empowers us to transmit this love to others in beautiful ways. There will be no sins committed when we are loving. And our love for others, as well as their love for us, covers over any failings we may have.
Multifaceted grace of God: God’s grace has many layers and aspects. This grace is expressed through the various gifts given to believers. We have these spiritual gifts as a gift of grace and therefore ought to use these gifts to magnify the finished work of Christ. This is what God is empowering us to do. We are to live as if Christ lives within us and is empowering us to serve in whatever way He has gifted. This is what glorifies God.
One who is speaking: The church is the body of Christ on Earth. We represent Him to the world in both word and deed. As we preach the Gospel of grace, we communicate the heart of God to people.
