The Power of Ordinary Hospitality
As Christians, we often find ourselves caught up in our own busy lives, prioritizing our own needs and schedules above all else. But what if I told you that there’s a way to break free from this self-centeredness and live a life that truly reflects the love and hospitality of Christ?
For me, it all started with a neighbor. A man with a dark secret moved in across the street, and our lives became intertwined in ways I never could have imagined. As we began to walk our dogs together and share meals, I saw firsthand the power of ordinary hospitality to break down barriers and build bridges.
But it wasn’t always easy. When my neighbor’s secret was exposed, and he was arrested for making crystal meth in his basement, our community was shaken to its core. Neighbors wrung their hands in shame, worried about plummeting housing values, and pointed fingers at us for being friends with him.
A Wake-Up Call
It was a wake-up call for me and my family. We realized that we had been living in a bubble, separate from the world around us. We had been so focused on our own needs and desires that we had forgotten how to be good neighbors. But as we began to practice daily hospitality, welcoming church family and neighbors into our home, we saw the transformative power of Christ’s love.
It wasn’t about grand gestures or elaborate meals. It was about simple, everyday acts of kindness and generosity. It was about being present for those around us, listening to their stories, and sharing our own. And as we did, we saw the walls between us begin to crumble.
The Idolatry of Our Hearts
But as we practiced hospitality, we also confronted the idolatry of our own hearts. We realized that our homes and our time were not our own, but belonged to God. We saw that our selfishness and self-centeredness were barriers to true community and connection.
And so, we made a choice to surrender our lives to Christ, to use our homes as a means of showing the world what authentic love and faith look like. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.
A Lived Theology
Hospitality is not just a virtue or a value; it’s a lived theology. It’s a way of life that says, “I am not my own, but belong to Christ.” It’s a way of life that says, “My home and my heart are open to you, because Christ has opened his heart to me.”
As we practice hospitality, we are not just serving others; we are also being served by Christ. We are being reminded that we are not alone, that we are part of a larger community that transcends borders and boundaries.
Start Anywhere
So, where do you start? Start by looking around you, by seeing the people and the needs in your own community. Start by opening your home and your heart to others, even if it feels scary or uncomfortable. Start by being present for those around you, by listening to their stories and sharing your own.
And as you do, remember that hospitality is not just about what you do; it’s about who you are. It’s about being a reflection of Christ’s love and hospitality in the world.
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