New? February 15 Devotional
February 15, 2025
1 PETER 4:9 | 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
Maintaining love for one another does not, of course, mean accepting everything about each other without any qualification. Peter loves all the members of his churches, unreservedly. But he wants them to live by the great truths and genuine promises of Jesus Christ. Though he loves the scoffers, he does not accept their views of the End and Jesus’ return. In fact, because he loves them he strenuously tries to correct their errors and undermine their influence.
Maintaining love for one another then, can lead to disagreement where we strive to speak the truth in love. But most often it is visible in simple and gracious actions. Peter’s example is being
hospitable, sharing time and food with others, inviting them into our lives and homes. This establishes intimacy that allows us to then bear each other’s burdens and rejoice in one another’s
triumphs.
How good are you at hospitality? At speaking the truth in love?
Gracious God,
Let kindness and charity govern my heart and words in holy disagreements. Let hospitality be a regular part of my duty and joy.
Amen.
