Stewards of Diverse Grace

You would think that the normal function of the church would be the last thing on the mind of someone training believers how to deal with suffering. Yet that is exactly what is on Peter's mind as he ponders his readers. In such times, rather than panic and get caught up in selfish protection, the importance of the church and its mission rises. The way a suffering people loves each other is crucially important. So, too, is the need to remain sober and of sound mind. Everyone, more than ever, is needed along with the gifts God has given them to not only stick together but to thrive in a hostile environment.