Above All Things, Have Fervent Love For One Another
June 3, 2026
“1 Peter 4:7-10 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Reflection
12th March 2025 Being serious (of sound mind) and watchful (sober in spirit) means being able to discern the will and plans of God in the midst of earthly chaos. This requires us to take our eyes off our circumstances – our successes, our failures, our trials, our very lives – and fixing our eyes on Jesus. Jesus prepared Himself for the Cross and His ministry evolved from preaching to thousands into one where He focused on mentoring His disciples (the apostles) and preparing them to preach the gospel and to disciple others. I, too, must evolve from a life pursuing earthly success, defined as career and earthly treasures, to a life pursuing God and His holiness. The process of sanctification is ongoing in me. By God’s grace and by the faith He has gifted me, I shall complete the race and be made complete in Christ, lacking nothing. During this time, I must prepare my family and loved ones for the end times. Each of us has received a spiritual gift, with which we can use to minister to others. One of my spiritual gifts is that of faith. According to www.whataremyspiritualgifts.org/spiritual-gifts/ , the spiritual gift of faith is defined as ‘seeing God's plan and following it with a passion and commitment that inspires others to do the same’. The website states that whilst faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8), the spiritual gift of faith is a separate gifting meant to inspire others to have faith as well (1 Corinthians 12:9). Indeed, all our spiritual gifts have the divine purpose of serving others with fervent love, and in doing so, glorify Christ and draw people to Him.
Application
I must be mindful that my service is not to draw attention to myself or to make me feel good about myself, as that will be the sin of pride. Instead, let me boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Galatians 6:14). A fervent love is not transactional, but loves in spite of what others do to you.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me and revealing more and more of Yourself to me each day. I love You for all that You have done for me. What happens to me in this life is no longer important when compared to what I must do to be ready for Your return. Holy Spirit, help me use my gift wisely and powerfully to minister to others in ways that glorify God and point people to Him. Let my life be a testimony of the infinite love of Jesus. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.