Have you ever been given a tool or gadget that you never actually used? Maybe it sat in a drawer. Maybe it stayed in the box. Maybe you weren’t even sure what it was for. That’s how many of us treat the gifts God has given us. We receive them, but we leave them on the shelf. But Peter makes this clear: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” (1 Peter 4:10) Yes, You Have a Gift That phrase “each of you” is key. It means no believer is left out. Spiritual gifts aren’t just for pastors, musicians, or public speakers. They’re for everyone who follows Jesus. Paul says the same thing: “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) Every believer has a spiritual gift—no exceptions. And every gift is meant to bless others.…

People handle endings in different ways. As the semester winds down, students get restless. Graduating seniors feel a mix of “I’m finally done!” and “What’s next?!” Endings have a way of waking us up. Peter writes this in his letter: “The end of all things is near…” (1 Peter 4:7) But he doesn’t say it to cause panic. He says it to create purpose. So what should we do when we remember that time is short? How do we live like the end is near—but not lose our heads? Stay Clear-Minded and Prayerful “Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) Peter isn’t saying, “Build a bunker.” He’s not telling us to stockpile canned goods and duct tape. He’s not calling us to panic; he's calling us to pray. Be alert—not anxious. Be sober-minded—not cynical. In emergency situations, clarity and communication are critical.…

I’ve worn glasses since third grade. But about 17 years ago, I had LASIK surgery. The funny part? For months afterward, I still acted like I was wearing glasses. I’d reach to push them up on my nose—except they weren’t there anymore. Why? Muscle memory. I had lived one way for 30+ years, and even though my vision had changed, my habits hadn’t caught up yet. Peter was writing to Christians facing a similar challenge. They had left their old life behind. But the world around them hadn’t forgotten who they used to be. So Peter gives them a clear message: You’ve spent enough time in the past. The time to live for God is now. Arm Yourself with the Right Mindset Peter starts here: “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude…” (1 Peter 4:1) Jesus didn’t suffer by accident—He suffered with purpose.…

Have you ever had someone ask you about your faith and you froze? Maybe it caught you off guard. Maybe you weren’t sure what to say. If that’s ever happened to you, you’re not alone. Peter knows exactly what that feels like. He also knows what it’s like to be ready. In his letter, Peter gives us a game plan for what to do when someone notices something different about us and asks: “Why do you believe what you believe?” Be Ready—with Hope, Not Heat Peter writes: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) That doesn’t mean you need a speech memorized. It means Jesus is at the center of your heart—so when you speak, hope naturally comes out. And when you speak, do it “with gentleness and respect.” Not with sarcasm.…

When you hear the phrase “the good life,” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s having more money in the bank. Less stress. A backyard grill and a good cup of coffee. There’s nothing wrong with any of those things. But Peter shows us something deeper. He’s writing to believers who are trying to do good… and yet, life isn’t getting any easier. Instead of giving them an escape plan, Peter reframes the conversation. The good life isn’t always the easy life. But it can still be a beautiful one. A Beautiful Life Starts with a Beautiful Heart Peter writes: “Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8) Living the good life begins with how we treat people. Like-minded doesn’t mean we agree on everything—but it means we agree on what matters most. Sympathetic and compassionate means we don’t just feel for people - we…