“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:9-10

My friend Alice is the epitome of hospitality. She runs a catering service and constantly invites people into her home. I’ve eaten many a scrumptious meal prepared by her. I am not like Alice. I enjoy nothing more than retreating into my castle of solitude, isolated from the demands of meeting the needs of others. Or at least I did until my Pastor began stressing the necessity of showing hospitality to our brothers and sisters in Christ. God began to convict me of my selfish behavior and I started to pray for opportunities to extend hospitality.

Around the same time, two young married couples from a Bible college about an hour away began attending our church. Because of the distance, it was difficult for them to attend both Sunday services. I decided to invite them into my home every Sunday for a meal and a place to hang out between services.

It proved to be one of the most beneficial invitations I’ve ever extended. Over the course of the next two years we developed a close friendship. It provided me with the companionship I desperately needed after losing my husband to cancer and met a very practical need in their lives. As their families grew, I was granted the privilege of being an adopted “granny” to both couples’ children. They brought so much joy and blessing to my granddaughter and myself. We quickly realized we were the ones that benefited most from the arrangement.

Father, forgive us of self-centeredness. Convict us to extend hospitality without grumbling so that we can shine as the brightness of heaven, wisely leading others to Christ. Amen.

TAKE ACTION

Consider inviting others into your home this holiday season. Pray first, that God will bring people across your path and that He would use you to meet their practical needs. As He does, look for opportunities to invite them to Christ, or into a deeper relationship with Him. 

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