4:7
Peter then points them to the importance of the last day. “The end of all things is near”. Now, of course, this was written two thousand years ago, so in one sense the end of all things was not near. However, for any individual the end is near. This life is temporary, and in the context of eternity a very short time. But this does not mean that this life does not matter, quite the opposite. Instead it means that it matters all the more how we live this life. We are to be alert and sober minded, so that we may pray. The view that this life is all there is is a mistaken view, and leads to a wrong approach to life (Is 22:13). Knowing that there is a judge, that all will have to give an account, that Jesus is coming back as Lord of all, means we have a right view of life. And it will lead us to pray all the more earnestly.
4:8
Jesus stressed the importance of love (John 13:35), Paul stressed the importance of love (1 Cor 13), John did (1 John 4:20), and Peter does do here. Now the love the Bible speaks of is much more than mere affection or sentimental love. We are to love each other deeply, having a real concern for each other's deepest needs, and a concern showing itself in action.
“Love covers a multitude of sins”. This does not mean we can do whatever we like as long as it is done in love, love overcomes sins. None of us is perfect, and if we adopt a legalistic approach we will never get anywhere, there will always be some reason for objecting to someone or for feeling aggrieved about something or other. But a true love for one another will enable us to overcome all these niggles, and the more serious failings as well.
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