Volume 47 Number 12 August 2005
Being hospitable is a really good opportunity to be of service to others and to build relationships. It is a way to let our light shine for the church in the community. It pleases God when we serve others rather than ourselves. God wants us to do his will out of love for him and our love for our fellow man just as Christ loved us. Romans 12:13 says:
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
When you are helping others consider what their needs are. Is it food, or a place to stay or a listening ear, or do they just need a friend? Your house doesn’t have to be perfect and the food doesn’t have to be fancy.
Some people put off being hospitable because of one excuse or another. ‘The house is dirty’, ‘I am too busy’, ‘I am too tired’, ‘I need new furniture’, ‘I don’t know what to fix!’
The conditions may never be perfect and before you know it you’ve blown another opportunity to serve as Christ would serve.
One of the most beautiful stories of hospitality happens in Matthew 14:15 when Jesus fed 5,000. He didn’t use any excuses about not having any silverware or nice tables and chairs. He used what he had. (2 little fish and 5 loaves of bread) This is the height of hospitality!
When someone is sick or disabled it is a common thing to see sisters in Christ bringing partial or whole meals not just once but as long as is necessary to get people through the rough times. How about just a dessert? Get little containers for one meal. Just share the meal you are cooking for your own family. Don’t let terminally ill patients keep you from writing, talking or visiting with them. Talk or write to them just as you would if they weren’t terminally ill and they will truly appreciate it.WE NEED TO EXPERIENCE THE TRUTH OF THE
LORD’S SAYING:
“It is more blessed to give, than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)