This epistle is attributed so Simon Peter, whom Roman Catholics revere as the first Pope, and whom other Christians traditionally believe to be the "chief apostle" of Jesus Christ. Regardless of the denomination of Christianity you affiliate with, if you believe in the Bible, you're hard pressed to not acknowledge that Peter is one of the most important figures—not just in early Christian history, but in the history of the Church. And, thus, his commands and counsel carry weight and should have (in the life of the believer) a significant impact.

In today's verse, Peter points to something we've all experienced: the inconvenience of unexpected "guests." The request of a somewhat annoying family member to let them lodge at your place while passing through town; the adult child who wants to move back in with mom and dad because he or she has landed on "hard times"; the neighbor who drops by for a chat at the worst possible time of the day—all of these experiences can make one want to say, "Absolutely not!" And yet, Peter encourages us to "open our homes" anyway and do so "without complaining." Why? Because someone has a need, and you have the means of meeting that need.

Just before counseling us to do this, Peter reminds his reader, "charity covers a multitude of sins" (V:8)—meaning, if you're looking to be forgiven for your own sins and shortcomings, one of the best possible ways to do that is to act in a charitable way. So, next time that phone or doorbell rings, and it's the annoying uncle, grown child, or neighbor, perhaps says a little prayer in your heart, thanking God for this opportunity to get rid of a few of your sins, and then "open your home" and your heart—"without complaining."