#soap # 1 Peter 04 ## Title: Pray and Show Love ## Scripture: (1 Peter 4:7-8) “For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. Above all keep your love for one another fervent because .” (NET) ## Observation: Peter specifically asked Jesus to know what the future was at the end of the Gospel of John when he asked about the fate of John. Jesus told him not to worry about such things, but to be about Kingdom business. Peter is still thinking about the end 30 years later. However, this time he realizes how to be prepared no matter when it happens. He says we are to pray and show deep love toward one another. (The next verse also says to share our homes with those who need a meal or a place to stay.) Notice that the goal is to get close to God and get close to others. When things get serious, those are the two most important things and the things that matter. When I have known people facing *their* end, these are the two things that come to the top for them as well. They don’t think about making more money or getting the next promotion. They want to know where they stand with God and where they stand with those they love the most. This should be something we think about often. ## Application: Analyze your life. Where can you take a step closer to God? Where can you build a bridge or heal a wound with someone you love? ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for telling us what we need to focus on.