- Lesson 10 in the Connect 360 unit “Hunger for Holiness: Living Pure in an Impure World” focuses on 1 Peter 4:1-11.
When everything we know is coming to an end, Peter called us to pray and prioritize love. He used the Greek word agape, which means a gracious, sacrificial love. This Christlike love is the foundation and covering of our lives. Sacrificial love protects, sustains, strengthens and “covers over a multitude of sins” (4:8).
What did Peter mean by the statement in verse 8, “love covers a multitude of sin?” Was Peter referring to God’s love for the believer in the time of judgment? Or was Peter admonishing the believer to love others, even unbelievers, as the judgment approaches? There are many differing views regarding this verse, but it is plain to see that forgiveness was Peter’s focus.
Christlike, sacrificial love reaches past sin and offenses in order to transform hearts. This love does not pay back evil for evil or insult for insult but proclaims God’s blessing for all who are far away.
Offering undeserved and unwarranted love is not the same thing as ignoring sin but, instead, understanding two wrongs do not make a right. The writer of Proverbs encouraged this kind of love long before Peter. “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12). Peter trusted that as the end draws near, God will handle judgment. It is God’s people who exemplify lives covered by a love so gracious that it has changed the way we speak, serve, and care for others.
Hospitality is a practical expression of this sacrificial love in the life of the believer as we relate to others. Hospitality, or welcoming the stranger, has long been a hallmark of God’s people. (See Genesis 18; Leviticus 19:33-34; Hebrews 13:2.) Peter added believers should serve in this way without complaining.
A grandfather once said regarding his grandchildren, “We love to see our little angels come to visit, and we love to see those little devils go home.” Hospitality can get wearisome in the best of circumstances. Caring for others without grumbling, on the other hand, is a visible act of sacrificial, Christlike love.
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