1 Peter 4:7-11
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
In the study of biblical language we find maintaining proper semantics is vitally important in disseminating scriptural truthfulness. Clearly over the years some of the terms used and concepts championed have been replaced. You may have noted changes in the wording of scripture from the King James Version to a more modern interpretation. This wasn’t done to confuse us, but instead an attempt to match our current understanding of language with words that have long ago lost significance in our day and time. But while words and phrases morph over time, the context, concepts, power and authority of the Living Word of God stands forever. So as good stewards we must fight to maintain the integrity of the Gospel of Jesus no matter how old and archaic it may sound to some.
I would argue the term love is one of those words. Love is not subjectively determined. The meaning of love is not influenced by individual feelings, opinions or experiences. Love is what love has always been! And when we start toying with truths we risk losing all the trust and confidence we had in the Word. It is simply reduced to words in a book, a philosophy or religious practice. So let’s talk for a moment not only what love is, but what love does.
I’m sure all of us have heard John 3:16 “God so loved the world that He gave…” Those first few words speak volumes. Love and giving are synonymous. You can’t love selfishly. That’s a complete oxymoron. Yet in our flesh, we often try to justify and defend our loveless actions. But not only is love selfless, it is accompanied by some definitive action or deed. A simple statement is not enough. I can say I love you all day long, but until I’m willing to put your interest ahead of my interest, there’s no evidence of the love I say I have.
To truly grasp the significance of Peter’s words this morning, we need only reflect on some of the details of his earlier life. This is the same guy that argued with Paul that salvation was reserved for the Jews. His upbringing and concept of God’s Chosen People excluded all but his fellow Jews. But here he is now writing an epistle to encourage Gentiles believers. Peter was at one point a staunch opponent of allowing other cultures to inherit the same privileges he and his people were promised. But now we see his opinion has changed. We see he has been enlightened to the universality of the Spirit of God towards all humanity. And this lesson didn’t come without sacrifice.
We can sing and preach all we want, but there’s no way we can ignore the many admonishments made throughout the Word to engage and love our fellowman. We can’t cover our eyes and pretend we don’t see the impoverished, the hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, sick and homeless. There’s no way we can act as if the Lord hasn’t given us responsibility to be our brothers keeper. How are we loving our neighbors as ourselves?
Our daily routines, weekly programming and even long term planning expose our selfish hearts. Someone once said, as we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Not loving is not an option. We can’t love Jesus like we not to. We must love him as he has demanded. John 14:23 records the Lord as saying, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
Where is the love? The love is in our obedience!
God Bless
