Happy Hospitality
Hospitality
What comes to mind for you when you think of the word hospitality? It can come in a variety of forms or take place in a variety of circumstances. Suppose you were compelled to become involved with some avenue of service in the community. Which would you prefer
What comes to mind for you when you think of the word hospitality? It can come in a variety of forms or take place in a variety of circumstances. Suppose you were compelled to become involved with some avenue of service in the community. Which would you prefer
- A missionary to _(fill in the blank)_
- Serving food at a soup kitchen
- Being a conversation partner with an international student
- Being on staff at an orphanage.
In Romans 12:9-13 we hear a beautiful word of commissioning and encouragement to think beyond ourselves and be open to serving others: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”
When we serve other people around us it allows us to give attention to God and His love for all people. Note how this is confirmed in the following verses:
Our confidence and hope in God's promise is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
- “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
- “’Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40
Our confidence and hope in God's promise is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Prayer:
We raise our voices as one to declare, “Sovereign Lord, You made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You speak to us through Your Holy Spirit as we struggle and wonder, “Why do the nations rage, and peoples plot in vain? Why, in such troubling times, do people work against You and flee from You?” Dear Father, as Your cherished sons and daughters, may we be a calming presence, a voice of reason and compassion, and serve as Your representatives to hurting people in our midst. Guide us, as we follow You and empower us as we share our hope in You. Amen. adapted from Acts 4:24-26
4832 Ponderings:
We raise our voices as one to declare, “Sovereign Lord, You made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You speak to us through Your Holy Spirit as we struggle and wonder, “Why do the nations rage, and peoples plot in vain? Why, in such troubling times, do people work against You and flee from You?” Dear Father, as Your cherished sons and daughters, may we be a calming presence, a voice of reason and compassion, and serve as Your representatives to hurting people in our midst. Guide us, as we follow You and empower us as we share our hope in You. Amen. adapted from Acts 4:24-26
4832 Ponderings:
- What avenues of helping others have you considered? Is there anything holding you back from putting your ideas into action?
- How does the 1 Corinthians passage above inspire you to step out even when you feel lacking in skill or ability?
Recent
Archive
2024
January
February
March
May
July
August
September
November
2023
January
Categories
no categories
No Comments