I Peter 4:7-19  "The end of all things is at hand; " Peter reminds us.  So, as he has already taught, our priority.. our purpose.. is to pray and to share the gospel.  Our lives should reflect the love and grace of the One we follow - Christ Jesus who is sanctified, set apart, in our hearts as Lord. 

"Above all, keep fervent in you love for one another." Peter urges his readers... " because love covers a multitude of sins. " 

Love each other by showing hospitality. Love each other by serving one another. Love each other by speaking the Word of God, by the strength of God, to the glory of God. 

Again Peter encourages God's people to rejoice in their suffering.. as long as they are suffering in the name of Jesus. "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."  

The "time for judgment" is coming, Peter reminds us. It had already begun for the church in the form of persecution.  How much more will the godless suffer? Their suffering will be eternal.. unless they "entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." We, who follow Jesus, can suffer according to His will and rejoice. The unbeliever has no hope and cannot rejoice.  O how we need to love them, and pray.. pray.. pray!

Father in heaven, this is You will for us.. to tell others about You and to talk to You about others, so that they can come to know the living hope that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord.  We pray for those in our families, those in our neighborhoods, those in our nation.. who need to know that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one can come to You except through Him. Open doors of opportunity for Your Church to boldly preach the  Gospel.  Help us to love one another, serve one another, and speak up whenever we can, so that You will be glorified. We ask these things in Jesus' name. amen.