1 Peter 4:7-8 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

We are often tempted to think “it’s the end of the world” when there is political upheaval or a surge in violent crime or a terrible flood in Texas that claims over 100 lives, many of them children.

Peter says we should always have that mindset: “The end of all things is near.” But Peter is not suggesting that we should say those words in a despairing way, but with the confidence that Jesus is coming back, so the end is near. That is a good thing!

Today you are one day closer to His return. That should have an impact on the way you live your lives. Note that one thing Peter reminds you to do is PRAY! I think too many of us relegate prayer to a last resort, something we do when all else fails. God would have us come to him in prayer constantly (1 Thess. 5:17) about anything and everything.

As we live in a state of readiness for this world to end and Jesus to return, another thing God told Peter to share with us is this: “love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

The call for Christians to love is a repeated refrain throughout the New Testament. We are to love others the way Jesus loved us. We are to love the world the way God loves the world.

“Love covers a multitude of sins” needs to be understood properly. We are called to love others, warts and all. We love people who are sinners, because that is everyone. Love forgives others when they sin against us. But our love and our forgiveness do not appease God’s anger over sin or make sinners right with God. That happens only through Christ. If people do not put their trust and confidence in Him, they will not have God’s forgiveness and eternal life.

Maybe God tells us to love others the way we have been loved by Him so that they will be drawn to Him. Perhaps your kindness and compassion to others will be the way to expose them to the Good News of God’s grace. Is it possible that God tells His people to love others deeply so that they will come to know Him and His love? That is precisely the reason!

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

If we love this way, we can help others get ready for Jesus’ return.