The Grands Letter (1 Pet/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on March 5, 2022 6:54 am (CST)Dear Grands,
1 Peter 4:8-11, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
It’s normal for us to think of “love” (agape) more in connection with the John’s Gospel than with that of any other writer of the New Testament. Still, Simon Peter emphasized love and its maintenance in his writings, too. The word “fervent” (??????? ektenes) literally means “stretched, zealous, or earnest.” No “put-on” or disguise here. When the Scripture says “love,” it means love.”
Hospitality (????????? philoxenos) is an active form of love. It literally means
“loving strangers.” How could the Church ever hope to reach those outside of Christ, if the ones who possessed this gift, neglected expressing to others the love that Christ had displayed in them? So it is with us!
Whatever “gift” (special ability) the LORD has given to you, be sure to manifest it in the presence of others –not “showing off,” but that the LORD might be blessed and His people encouraged beyond measure.
Speaking (????? laleo) is the external expression of the Gospel. This is the core, the central aspect of the Good News of Jesus Christ. People who have not committed themselves to Jesus Christ need to be told how to do it.
Doubtlessly, those who commit themselves to Jesus for salvation, will, in time, be given spiritual gifts themselves. The gifts must never be abused. They must always glorify God the Father through His Son, the LORD Jesus Christ. What is your spiritual gift? Is it bringing others closer to Him? It will, if it is truly a gift of His Holy Spirit, and if it glorifies Christ as He intends it to do.
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America
“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom
