Peter ends his first letter with a blessing.  1 Peter 5: 10,14  "But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you…..Greet you one another with a kiss of charity.  Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus.  Amen."

Don't you just love Peter!  He is such a changed man.  He looks at life, people, and his own purpose in life with such love and care for others.  He was concerned about the Christians who were being persecuted.  Who were suffering for the faith.

He called on the God of Grace to make us perfect.  To establish and strengthen and settle us.  He reminded us that we have been called into God's eternal glory because of Jesus.  What a marvelous thought.  Eternal glory.  Peter gave us hope.

But he reminded us that until that time comes, we will suffer.  I don't know why we think we will be excused from troubles and trials.  They come to us all.  But we have each other.  Hug someone.  Pray for someone.  Peter says give each other the kiss of charity.

I have been so humbled by the number of people who have given me a hug and said that they are praying for Ken and also for me.  It is a comfort.

Aren't you glad you have friends.  Aren't you glad you have a church family.  There is a song that says, "Make me a blessing…to someone today."  Everyone needs a blessing.  I know I do.

Peter ends his letter by saying, "Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus."  That's us.