Opening Hearts and Homes: The Power of Hospitality
As followers of Jesus Christ, we’re called to demonstrate our love for Him through our love for others. One practical way to do this is by showing hospitality to strangers. In the Bible, hospitality meant more than just offering a warm smile and a cup of coffee – it meant opening one’s home and heart to those in need.
A Personal Encounter with Hospitality
My husband and I have always tried to practice hospitality by providing meals for strangers, but we rarely had the opportunity to host overnight guests. That was until our return flight was cancelled during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving us stranded in the Czech Republic. A Christian family we had met on previous visits took us in, opening their home and their hearts to us when our hotel closed. For two weeks, we shared meals and laughter with this family of five, sleeping on their sofa bed and growing to love and appreciate them in ways we never could have imagined.
The Blessings of Hospitality
This family’s selfless act of kindness was a demonstration of their love for Jesus Christ and their care for foreigners stranded in their country. As Matthew 25:40 reminds us, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me.” Their hospitality not only blessed us but also strengthened our bond, creating a sense of community and connection that we still cherish today.
Embracing Opportunities to Show Hospitality
So how can we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, better demonstrate our love for Him through hospitality? By looking for opportunities to open our hearts and homes to strangers, we can experience the blessings that come from showing love and care to others. Who knows? Strangers might just become beloved friends!
A Prayer for Hospitality
Father, help me to seek out opportunities to show hospitality to strangers. May I never view it as a burden to share the blessings You’ve provided with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By embracing the power of hospitality, we can become Christ’s ambassadors, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it. Will you join us in this journey of opening hearts and homes to those around us?
Leave a Reply