"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. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)
According to Henrietta C. Mears, Christian educator, author, and renown Sunday School teacher, the Christians to whom Peter was writing were suffering "fiery trials" from people who did not believe in Jesus. The Christians would not join their pagan idolatry and drinking and lust, so they were hated leading to active persecution. Here he offered them advice on Christian living and living for God.
We should love each other enough to overlook the sins that are committed against us and forgive those that committed them. We are to be gracious to one another. Whatever spiritual gifts that The Holy Spirit has given us should be used for the benefit of others. (The gifts of The Spirit are "... wisdom ... knowledge ... faith ... healing ... miraculous powers ... prophecy ... distinguishing between spirits ... speaking in tongues ... interpretation of tongues ... and He gives them to each one, just as He determines." 1 Corinthians 12:7-11) We are to be instruments of God's grace. All that we say and do, should be said and done such that someone is helped and that God is glorified, otherwise we are just wasting the precious little time we have left.
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