When we think something is ending, we tend to loosen up. Think of how the last week of school becomes movie days and parties. The last day at a job turns into long lunches and "what are they gonna do, fire me?" kind of energy. People like to imagine what they would do if they knew it was their last day on earth. Usually, it's a mix of daredevilry and exciting escapades.
At the end, most people stop trying. After all, what's the point anymore?
But Peter imagines the opposite. Whereas the world might treat endings as permission to coast, the gospel treats endings as a reason to become more loving.
Now, there are different interpretations of what Peter meant when he wrote, "The end of all things is near." Did he mean the end of all time? A particular season? Or a general sense of coming judgment?
Either way, for Peter, the end's nearness is not a spiritual deceleration. Instead, he doubles down on what matters most. He calls believers to be "serious and discipline yourselves" in matters of praying, love, service, and speech. The end may be near, but these acts of faith still bring glory to God.
One of the things he specifically mentions is hospitality. At first, I thought that was misplaced. If hospitality is just saying hello, it seems small compared to the end of all things. But true hospitality is hard when life feels uncertain. It's easier to become protective, impatient, or inward-focused. Love doesn't work that way. Peter even says to practice hospitality without grumbling because he knows people can technically serve while secretly resenting it.
In a world that treats endings as a reason to check out, Peter calls believers to lean in because the end is a call to love more deeply.
Stay blessed...john
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