Loving Hospitality | Resources
Passage:
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:8–9
Devotional:
The Apostle Peter begins this exhortation with the phrase “above all” and proceeds to declare the necessity of love between fellow believers. This is a continuous love that is to characterize every child of God. The priority of love in the believer’s life is also found in Paul’s list of the fruits of the Spirit. He writes, ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22- 23). Jesus as well tells us of the need for love in the believer’s life when describing the greatest commandment. Jesus commands us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39).
It is no wonder that Peter describes this love as covering “a multitude of sins.” Hate, slander, gossip, and countless other sins are pushed out of the way when love is brought center-stage in our hearts. The power of love is truly a remarkable thing because it originates in God who is Himself love. The love that we demonstrate is only possible because He first loved us. It was God who saved us and gave us a new heart, one that is capable of true love.
Peter continues his exhortation with a simple reminder to demonstrate love through hospitality to fellow believers. Love not only “covers a multitude of sins” but allows us to do everyday acts of kindness for one another. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to demonstrate loving hospitality to one another in a unique way. Our lives are not to be characterized by quarrels and strife but by acts of love befitting the child of God. As we live with love towards one another, the power of the Gospel is advanced and the name of Jesus Christ is magnified. Let us today choose to love one another!
by Taylor Camp
Scripture Reading:
Sunday: Judg. 21; Acts 25; Jer. 35; Ps. 7-8
Monday: Ruth 1; Acts 26; Jer. 36; 45; Ps. 9
Tuesday: Ruth 2; Acts 27; Jer. 37; Ps. 10
Wednesday: Ruth 3-4; Acts 28; Jer. 38; Ps. 11-12
Thursday: 1 Sam. 1; Rom. 1; Jer. 39; Ps. 13-14
Friday: 1 Sam. 2; Rom. 2; Jer. 40; Ps. 15-16
Saturday: 1 Sam. 3; Rom. 3; Jer. 41; Ps. 17
Memory Verse:
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:8–9
Discussion Questions:
What in our text this week stands out as interesting, confusing, or challenging?
Why does Peter start out verse 8 with, “above all?” Why are these commands so important?
How are you doing loving one another earnestly? Is there anyone in your life you are currently struggling to love? Why?
How are you doing with showing hospitality? Do you do this with joy or with hesitancy?
Who in your life do you need to show more love or hospitality to? Why do you think this person came to mind?
In light of what we have studied this week, how should you respond in obedience?