But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Pet 4:7-10)

As Christians, what are we to do when life becomes uncertain and disruptive?

Well, that was the context where Peter’s wrote to the believers who were scattered in Asia because of the growing persecutions.  There were many uncertainties and livelihood was disrupted and for some, they might even die for the gospel sake.   

But instead of wallowing in despair and hopelessness, Peter exhorted them to be sober and watch in prayer.  And “above all things”, he said,  to have fervent love for one another and to express that love in being hospitable to one another.   

Well, humanly speaking, by nature, when we are faced with suffering, we would naturally think first of ourselves.  Our own well-being or the well-being of my immediate family.  

But not apostle Peter.  For when times are difficult, he called the believers to think and look out for one another. to have fervent love one for another.   Why? because when ‘lawlessness abound, the love of many will grow cold.”   (Matt 24)

Brothers and sisters, if that was the expected conduct of believers when they were undergoing persecution, all the more we should do so in times of relative peace when our life and livelihood are not under threat! Our covid situation and restrictions today are certainly nothing in comparison to Peter’s time.  In fact, we thank God that the COVID situation has been well contained and managed in this country compared to many and life is slowly going back to normal as we heard the latest announcement by the minister of health.

So in comparison to the churches in Peter’s time, we have every reason to do more because we are blessed with more.  

So brothers and sisters,  how do you think we fair today as a church in this aspect of love and hospitality to one another?  If there is a fervency thermometer, how fervent do you think we measure up in terms of our love for one another in this church? Or are we losing the fervency due to COVID restrictions? Do we look forward to catching up with one another on Sundays? Or has the restrictions made us more passive to be concerned only for ourselves and families? Do we still have a love that covers the multitude of sins of others? A love would jealously guard against any unkind thoughts towards a bro or sis in Christ? A love that thinks no evil, a love that bears all things and believes all things of others?  Or has our lack of in-person communication caused us to be more suspicious of people when we meet them?

Someone had said, “Where love abounds in a fellowship of Christians, many small offences, and even some large ones, are readily overlooked and forgotten. But where love is lacking, every word is viewed with suspicion, every action is liable to misunderstanding, and conflicts about – to Satan’s perverse delight.” (Grudem)

But more importantly, is our love for one another expressed in acts of hospitality towards others.  In essence, hospitality is cheerful generosity.  It gives without expecting returns.  Recall a parable the Lord Jesus spoke in Lk 14 where he said, “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.  And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you;”

That’s the spirit of hospitality. Giving without expecting returns. So brethren, given that we have been much blessed by God so far, how generous are we in using our resources and gifts to minister or bless others? 

Last year, it was encouraging to know of some individuals and families in Shalom who took the extra effort to keep in close contact with other believers.  Some gave a surprise visit to the seniors and households to give them snacks.  Others, after the church service, invited people to their home for lunch fellowship since at the moment we are unable to stay back and have meals within the church premises.  All these efforts showed much thoughtfulness and intentionality on their part to be hospitable.

But can we do more? Can more of us do the same?  Certainly.  There is always room for growth in hospitality.  In fact, that’s why Paul prayed for the Philippian churches in Phil 1:9, “that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.”  We should never be contented with some.  We must abound more and more.

There is no limit to what we can do for one another if it is done out of genuine love.  There are always new visitors who visit the church, and there are also members who need encouragement and fellowship.     

But all these actions must start with fervent love.  If our hearts are cold, like ice, nothing will flow out.  We will be passive and withdrawn.  Whereas a heart that is overflowing with love will be like water, flowing out with a desire to bless people around.  It will express itself in hospitality to others without complaining.  For genuine love is kind and seeks not its own.

So bros and sis, let us not be contented with our current state but seek to grow in love for one another.  For we can never outgrow ourselves in this area. In fact, we should be fearful of letting our love grow cold.    

Here is a practical suggestion.  Maybe once a month, we think of someone in church we can bless with our time and resources. Someone we can invite for lunch or to our home for fellowship after service. Someone we can encourage.  

Someone said that, of all places in the world, the church should be among the most hospitable place to be in.  I am sure none of us would disagree.  But this can only happen if we who are the church, make it happen.  Indeed, let us aim not just to be reformed baptists (RP) but also relational baptists.  Let us grow not only in love for the truth but also in love for God’s people.  

“Preaching is important. Public evangelism and exhortation are important. But it’s often our kindness and personal relationships that help people cross the line into faith.” – Spurgeon

May God help us to practice that in our church more and more.  

Paul Phua (Exhortation shared in a Prayer meeting in 2020)