Definition: And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every manâs work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Peter 1:17. It’s a pretty profound and comforting message! Here's what it means in simple terms: “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "And if ye call on the Father..." – This is a direct plea. It's asking for help from God. It’s saying “We need His help.” "...who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work..." – This is the tricky part. "Judged" means deciding or making a decision. “Without respect of persons” means God doesn't care about how we choose to spend our time. “According to every man’s work” means God judges us based on what we do with our time – whether it’s good or bad, productive or unproductive. Basically, God isn’t concerned with the quality of our choices; He just wants us to be mindful and responsible. "...pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:" – “Sojourning” means being here for a while. “Fear” means worry or apprehension. So, this verse is saying: "Don’t waste your time carelessly or without thought. Be worried about what you're doing and be aware that God is watching." Putting it all together: Basically, Peter is telling us to be cautious with our time. We need to use our time wisely and not just do anything for fun without considering the consequences. We should be mindful of what we’re doing and try not to waste precious moments without prayer or reflection. It’s a gentle reminder to live a life that pleases God, not just to enjoy ourselves. In essence, it's about being responsible with our time and living a life that honors God. What does this verse mean for us ? It encourages us to: Pray: Reach out to God for guidance on how to spend our time. Reflect: Take time to think about our choices and actions. Be mindful: Be aware of what we are doing and its impact. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, perhaps relating it to a specific situation? Or would you like to explore another Bible passage?