John 3:8 We ought therefore to show hospitality"
Practicing hospitality is modeled for us throughout the Old and New Testaments. Again and again, we see that the purpose was to serve others and to be a vehicle for God's grace.
1 Peter 4:9 & 10 Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
I found it interesting that in the Webster's dictionary we find the definition for hospitality wedged between the word "hospice," which is a shelter and the word "hospital" which is a place of healing.
Right after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:42-47), believers began meeting to devote themselves to four things:
to the apostles' teaching
to fellowship
to breaking of bread
to prayer
Notice that they not only went to the temple, but their homes became "small sanctuaries" for teaching, prayer, fellowship, and meals.
As we open our homes, hearts and lives to others...we are given an opportunity to give to others...something that the LORD has given to us....whether it's a meal or words of encouragement. Matthew 25:35...I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was lonely and you made me welcome. Hospitality is simply to say, I care, I love you, and I have prepared a place for you....
I had a friend years ago....she is with the LORD now....she would never let me leave her home without first praying for me...she would say ...the LORD gave me this home to use for His glory...let's pray. I loved that about her! By the way....she was in her 90's and still practicing hospitality!
My desire would be that whenever someone was in my home that as they leave they would be able to say Luke 24:32 “Were not our hearts burning within us while he (she) talked with us on the road (in her house) and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Father, would you use my home for Your purposes...make it a place of refuge, a sanctuary for others..a place of healing by the sharing of Your Words of hope. In Jesus name, Amen.
Blessings on your day,
Sharon
I love this. Especially the statement your friend made "the LORD gave me this home to use for His glory". I think so many people are too busy to have anyone over these days. Our lives are consumed with so much that usually our homes are a wreck and we use that excuse to not invite anyone over..or that cooking a homemade meal is just too much work/stress. I pray that we all have the hospitable heart that your friend did and use our homes for His glory!
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