“Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer. Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins. Be compassionate to foreigners without complaining. Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace. For example, if you have a speaking gift, speak as though God were speaking his words through you. If you have the gift of serving, do it passionately with the strength God gives you, so that in everything God alone will be glorified through Jesus Christ. For to him belong the power and the glory forever throughout all ages! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7-11
Getting to know someone requires time spent, especially in conversation, both as we speak and as we listen. Therefore, the relationship we share with our Lord is developed through fervent prayer, time spent in his Word, then listening for his direction, as we constantly echo his intense love for one another. Just imagine, if as a nation, shortly approaching the anniversary of its Independence Day, we could see such a relationship begin to flourish throughout its people!
In this passage Peter is explaining the importance of our relationship with Jesus as we approach his return. Prayer should be constant, as well as our love for Him and for one another. We are to speak and serve within the strength and direction of our Lord. As his faithful stewards, we are to continue, in love, to reach out to others, remembering that in all we do God alone will be glorified through his Son, Jesus Christ, knowing that through him, there is so much more, simply for the asking.
Heavenly Father, help us to remember the importance of our relationship with you, in that with love, and through prayer, possibilities are endless, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret
HAVE A BLESSED JULY 4TH