Saturday, April 29, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
1 Peter 4:7–11

The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (NRSV)

Reflection

As I considered this passage the refrain from a popular Beatles song, “Come together, right now, over me” played in my head. Just as Peter wrote to the Gentile Christians to reassure them that they were chosen by God, we need to be reminded to be clear-minded and keep our priorities straight, as the kingdom of God is at hand.

We are called not just to love one another but to have “unfailing love.” We are called to practice hospitality — “ungrudgingly” — without complaint. And we are reminded that we each have received a gift of God’s grace, but to “employ it for one another” as stewards of that grace. That can be easier said than done.

I struggle to keep my priorities in order with so much “noise” in the world and information coming at me so fast, shaded by the popular secular messaging to “take care of yourself, first.” Peter reminds us that we are all in this together. We are called to build up and strengthen each other, to pray without ceasing, and to do all we do so that God may be gloried through Jesus Christ. I’m grateful for the gift of grace, and for sisters and brothers in Christ who are part of this fellowship.

Come together, right now, over me.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I come to you today exhilarated by the promise of your kingdom and grateful for the gifts of grace you have given me. Help me be unfailing in my love, ungrudging in my hospitality, and eager to serve. Help me to know what I can do and say in the ministry of your love, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Written by Marc Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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