We just recently went to our son’s home for Thanksgiving and felt welcomed and cared for. In fact, we had the whole lower level to ourselves, a comfortable king bed, our own bathroom, and in the morning had our devotions by the warm fireplace in soft chairs. But hospitality can be shown in much smaller ways as well, as recently we were offered a regular sized bed, a shared bathroom and managed just fine. In fact, growing up and spending time at the cabin, we all shared one room and a porch with beds and had to go to the outhouse, but hospitality was shown with wonderful meals and time together.
Hospitality is shown when hearts are open to one another and we offer what we have for the comfort of another. It is a selfless act and we die a little more to our wants and desires and think of others before ourselves. Maybe our home isn’t in the neatest condition with a toddler or baby to tend, but when we sit around the table and share the Lord, our hearts are warmed and we feel at home.
Peter says in I Peter 4:8, “Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully.” He goes on to say we should be generous with the everything God has given us. I saw hospitality practiced so often in my home growing up and I don’t ever remember my mom complaining but found joy in welcoming others into our two-bedroom home. At times she and dad gave up their own bedroom for others. Let us not miss the blessings the Lord has for us, but show love and hospitality to others.
Challenge for today: Let us use opportunities to practice selfless love by showing hospitality as the Lord prompts us.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy
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