END TIME INSTRUCTIONS
1 PETER 4:7-8
1 PETER 4:7-8 NKJ
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."
Peter, writing to a persecuted church, offers some solid instructions.
Now even though Peter was the author and I refer to him often, he was writing inspired by the Holy Spirit. So, it would be safe to say that the Holy Spirit has instructions for a church going through the fire of persecution.
The assumption is made that people are praying. Serious and watchful is also rendered being of sound mind. Calm and collected in spirit. Also, sober-minded and temperate. The NIV version says it well, "Be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." Any way we look at it, prayer is vital not an option.
Prayer is a meaningful communication with the One who is our source and life. So, it's not if you pray; it's when you pray.
And above all things, have fervent love for one another. Love one another deeply (NIV). Show deep love for each other (NLT). This serious love was considered a top priority.
Love covers a multitude of sins. One translation says love throws a veil over faults. The Amplified Bible says it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others.
Peter observed firsthand the life of Jesus, and if anyone could see the importance of prayer and serious love, it would be Peter. Plus, it was Peter who was the recipient of a love that overlooked many of his own faults and gave him a second chance even after denying the Lord. In his letter, we see in Peter, a man who has been transformed, so he knows that the God kind of unselfish love works.
APPLICATION:
Regardless of how developed or undeveloped our prayer life is, we need to pray.
Don't make it a win/lose proposition. Make prayer a connection with the One who loves us most.
And don't make fervent love an option. It is a top priority and the most Christ-like thing we can do.
PRAYER:
Dear Father, teach me how to pray so that it becomes a treasured communion, not a duty. Help me grow in my love for You and my family in Christ. Jesus is my example, and may He be glorified in me.