Hospitality

Hospitatlity
Biblical Priority #4 - Home
by Stephanie H.

What image does the word hospitality bring to mind?  Wikipedia says: Hospitality involves showing respect for one's guests, providing for their needs, and treating them as equals. Notice it does not say have the nicest decorated home or be the best pastry chef. It says to provide for your guests, show them respect and treat them as equals. Sounds to me like showing God’s love to others. We are to minister to others through hospitality, Romans 12:13 (NLT) says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

Have you ever thought about Jesus being our perfect role model for hospitality? He showed respect to everyone, provided for everyone’s needs and treated everyone as an equal. Jesus often fed people before He preached. God has given us many examples of hospitality. Romans 16:1-2 (MSG) “Be sure to welcome our friend Phoebe in the way of the Master, with all the generous hospitality we Christians are famous for. I heartily endorse both her and her work. She's a key representative of the church at Cenchrea. Help her out in whatever she asks. She deserves anything you can do for her. She's helped many a person, including me.”

CHALLENGE: Who can you minister to this month through hospitality?