"The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Malcolm Muggeridge reflected on his life, having been successful and popular and having acquired wealth and traveled widely. He described these things as “exercises in self-gratification [that were] pure fantasy, what Pascal called ‘licking the earth.’”
All of us will have had some driving passion other than submission to God. By submitting these passions anew to his lordship, we may see that Peter is writing to us about the reality of giving ‘account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead’ (v. 5).
Yet the thrust of this passage is not about repenting our misspent years! The focus is future-positive, to live actively, energetically, and lovingly for our forgiving God, to whom we pray with sobriety and self-control (v. 7, ESV). In assessing our past, we actively seek to make amends from the inside out by warmly embracing, loving, and giving to others as our raisons-d’être. We may show hospitality through a meal or two to others, by teaching the Bible, or by increasing our financial giving through the church or charitable organizations. Whichever it is, the root cause is a loving and active, reverential respect for God—mindful of the very limited time we have on earth.
Peter betrayed Jesus, repented, and took the second chance that Jesus gave him. He found renewal, purpose, and a powerful sense of identity in living only for the will of God. These very same words of Peter’s are now a living part of the Bible. Are they an organic part of us?
Closing Prayer
Faithful God, keep me ever mindful of your love and care for me, no matter what my circumstances are. Please use my life as a testimony of faith in your trustworthiness (edited from Encounter with God).
* Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990): was one of the most influential British journalists, writers, and Christian thinkers of the twentieth century. He is widely known for his dramatic conversion from intellectual skepticism to Christian faith, a journey that profoundly shaped his later writings and public witness.