4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Peter next emphasizes one of the greatest lessons in the Bible. He says that above all keep loving one another (top priority, read James 5:12 and Colossians 3:14 for similar claims by James and Paul). The love Peter is writing about is ‘agape’, the sacrificial unconditional highest level of love. We are to love without ceasing. The Greek word translated here as ‘earnestly’ also implies a ‘stretching out’ like one handing off a baton in a marathon. That same word is often translated ‘fervent’, meaning there is work (real effort) involved (see Matthew 5:44; Mark 12:37; Romans 12:14-15, 20; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14; James 1:27; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 4:11). Jesus commanded us to love others (see Mark 12:29-34; John 13:34-35; 15:12-13) and Paul spent a great deal of time talking about loving others as well (see Philippians 2:1-2; 1 Corinthians 13).
The 13th chapter of First Corinthians is often referred to as the “love chapter” of the Bible. It is regularly quoted during wedding ceremonies and other events where romantic love is expressed. Sadly, the chapter is often spoken or applied out of context. In the middle of Paul’s instruction (and rebuke) regarding spiritual gifts, Paul stops and reminds his audience that these gifts are of no value unless one has love in their hearts. Paul then describes a level of love that is beyond our human ability to love. So what is he talking about? Paul is describing supernatural love, a love that comes to us from God. The context is regarding spiritual gifts. What are the gifts for? They are for the purposes of equipping us for the work of ministry (see 1 Corinthians 14:20-25; Ephesians 4:11-16) so that others (nonbelievers) can find salvation as well through Jesus Christ. The love that Paul is referring to is not the love between spouses, family or friends (although they are all included) Paul is saying this supernatural love is for us to love everyone! Are you thinking that you can’t possibly do that? You’re right you can’t, not without God. Just like the church in Ephesus that forgot their first love (read Revelation 2:1-7) we can easily forget the main purpose of our lives and ministry (see Galatians 5:14). We are called to love, regardless of situation!
Peter continues by adding, “Since love covers a multitude of sins.” This sounds similar to the last words of the book of James, “Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20) These words cannot refer to salvation since only the blood of Jesus can offer atonement. So what is Peter saying? Some scholars think that Peter is referring to the love of God, but that is not the context of the verse and certainly there would be easier ways to say that. Other scholars say that our love helps us overlook the sins of someone who might be sinning against us. Solomon put it so eloquently, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12) In the same light, yet others say that if we love other people we will not sin against them.
I believe Peter was writing about God’s plan of salvation and the role believers have in that plan. The Bible teaches that God loved the world that He sent His Son to die so that those who believe in Him will live with Him forever (see John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 1 John 4:9-10). When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, He responded with, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40, see also commentary under 1 Peter 2:5) Note the order, first God, then others, we are to love others like we love ourselves. The love we have for God and others will be seen by unbelievers and as a result of that love they may accept Jesus as their Savior. And it is that love that will cover a multitude of sins.
4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Peter next notes that we need to show hospitality (literally “to love strangers”), which takes our love way beyond our family and friends to one another (see Hebrews 13:2), regardless of who they are without grumbling (the Greek word is ‘gongysmou’ meaning murmuring, or secret debate including any hidden sign of displeasure)[1]. I know I use this phrase often, but I can’t think of a better line than “they will know we are Christians by our love!” That song says it all! (see chapter 9) Even though we still sin as Christians, what sets us apart from the world is our ability to offer supernatural love that comes from God through us to others. Real joy and real compassion!
4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Similar to how Paul connected spiritual gifts to love (see 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14), Peter reminds his readers that since all believers have received at least one spiritual gift, we need to use those gifts to their fullness. These supernatural gifts (not just natural abilities or ones obtained through education or training) are to be used to lovingly serve one another. We are to be good stewards, being good managers of God’s diverse grace (Spiritual gifts come in many ways and variations, see 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Romans 12:3-21). God’s Word version of the Bible renders this verse, “Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that God has given you to serve others.”
4:11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Peter gives us a couple of examples on how we should use our gifts. First, whoever speaks should use God’s words, another way of stating this would be, if you are called to speak for God (which is all of us) use the words He provides for you, not your own. We have to remember that our opinions essentially do not matter. Peter then talks about those who serve are to serve (doing ministry) using God’s strength. If we are properly using our gifts and obtaining our strength through Him, we won’t burn out. We need to be dependent on the Holy Spirit (see Philippians 4:13). Peter then points to the reason we live and serve God is so that in everything we do, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The goal of every believer is that our lives bring glory to God.
The conclusion of this passage would be considered a doxology (an expression of praise and glory to God). See similar passages at Romans 11:36; 16:27; Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Timothy 1:17; Jude 25. Peter says, “to Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” We reflect the light of Jesus in a dark world.
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[1] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 1112