Paul was giving instructions to the church at Rome on how they should
treat one another. One of the important things was to practice hospitality.
Hospitality is that willingness to share what God has given to us, including
our family, home, finances, food and time. There are six basic needs of others,
including hunger, thirst, shelter, clothing, comfort and companionship that can
be met with gracious hospitality. This type of hospitality is usually considered
a gift of the Holy Spirit. At any rate, we know that Jesus had His needs met at
the homes of His disciples and friends—such as in Peter’s home and Martha’s
home. He Himself didn’t have a home of His own, as He explained in Luke 9:58…The foxes have holes
and the birds of the air have
nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. Jesus likely would have generously shared His home with others, if He had one. In
fact, He IS generously sharing His heavenly home with all who believe in Him.
He has told us that He is in heaven to prepare a place for us so that we can
come and live with Him there someday. In
My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have
told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2. He also
generously fed thousands of people—that is awesome hospitality not matched by
many people today. Do you not yet
understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many
baskets full you picked up? Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how
many large baskets full you picked up? Matthew 16:9-10. That is a big challenge
for us…to be like Jesus and feed thousands of people. Start with your own
family, friends, and neighbors. Can you provide spiritual food—as well as
physical food?
Training Tip – Read the stories of feeding the thousands of people
to your family. Then take a few fish and see how many people that can serve.
Jesus is a God of miracles. Explain hospitality
to your children. By now they have probably seen you demonstrate this
characteristic in your life…if not, try to reach out to someone soon to show
your hospitality. But you may say that that is not your “gift.” You can still
take someone out for coffee or a soda—or plan a picnic in the park together
with another family if you don’t feel that you can have them come to your home.
We are commanded to be hospitable—so teach your children to enjoy meeting new
people. Most kids love to be around other children. Give them a chance to share
their lives with others.
Lord Jesus, we look forward to Your hospitality in
heaven. For now help us to be hospitable to those around us—to serve them as we
would serve You.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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