The apostle Peter wrote these books to encourage the church to remain faithful to Jesus. The overall teaching in this passage is to remind the people to “live according to God in regard to the spirit.” Verse 3 says, “For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.” It’s time to leave that behavior behind and live in the Spirit. Thankfully, Peter gives us a “how-to-guide” on how to live for God in today’s passage.
First, he tells us to love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Deep love looks past people’s sin and loves the individual. It’s caring and kind and reflects the heart of Jesus. It doesn’t hold a grudge or walk in judgment.
Second, we should offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Hospitality can look a bunch of different ways. It doesn’t necessarily mean opening your home up to others but more so opening up your life. Bringing people into the fold so that they can experience the love of Christ.
Last, use your gifts to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace. The sin described in verse 3 edifies ourselves whereas serving others for the name of Jesus shifts the focus off us and puts it on Him.
Lord, thank you for encouraging us today, through your word, how to live for you. Help us to walk out these reminders found in today’s passage.