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Together in Christ: 'Practical Love for Hostile Times' — 1 Peter 4:7-9 Sunday, February 25, 2024 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. — 1 Peter 4:7-9 NLT KEY THOUGHT We live differently from those around us when we know a deadline is drawing near. That deadline could be a school research paper, a midterm project, a business deal we need to close, or a needed conversation with a friend who is moving or dying. Deadlines can sharpen our focus, clarify what is essential, and lead us to act with urgency. The great leaders and teachers of the early church wanted Jesus' disciples to live each day, each moment, each encounter with another person, with holy urgency. [1] Peter emphasized that our holy urgency should display godliness in all sorts of relationships: In our relationship with God, we live with earnest commitment and discipline in our prayer life. [2] God is our only lasting answer to the world's messes. In our relationships with each other in the family of God, we show steadfast love toward each other because we know that love helps us move past others' imperfections and the wounds inflicted by others. [3] In our relationship with others, especially those displaced, we joyfully share our homes providing those in need with food and shelter. [4] As a child of God, the Father has called us to welcome others and share what He has entrusted to us. [5] What we have is not ours to have for our own. God blessed us with what we have so we can help others know His grace. [6] Living with a sense of urgency should transform us from hoarders to sharers. [7] Conversion isn't just a change to faith in Jesus; it is also a daily commitment to the lifestyle Jesus — to sharing and providing, just as Jesus did! [8] As Peter reminds us, there is no more urgent moment to bless others than now because Jesus' return is near! [1] Romans 13:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11; 1 Peter 1:13, 5:8. [2] Colossians 4:2-4; James 5:16. [3] Psalm 86:5; Proverbs 17:9; Luke 7:42-47. [4] Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2. [5] Deuteronomy 15:10-11; Psalm 112:9; Isaiah 58:7; Acts 2:44-45; 2 Corinthians 8:14, 9:11; 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:6-7. [6] 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; 1 Peter 4:10. [7] Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 12:13-21, 16:19-23. [8] 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:28-31, 5:1-2; Colossians 1:28-29. TODAY'S PRAYER Father, I do not know when my time on the planet will be over. I certainly don't know the exact day, hour, or moment when Jesus will return. However, dear Father, I want to live with urgency, knowing that many around me are running out of time and opportunity to come to Jesus. I know that as a disciple of Jesus, the world needs to be able to look at me and know I have been with Jesus. [A] I want my life, and especially my genuine generosity, to make the truth of Jesus attractive and to demonstrate that my love for others is genuine. Help me live with loving urgency toward those who don't know Jesus, knowing that today is the day of salvation and Jesus' return is moving ever-nearer. O, Holy Spirit, please help me live with a sense of holy urgency. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen.

[A] Acts 4:13.

Romans 13:11-14.

RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11