So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8
In the last issue of the E-newsletter, we learned that the goal of biblical hospitality is to “make strangers, neighbors, and neighbors, family of God” (Faithful and Fruitful: Essays for Elders and Deacons, p. 67). If biblical hospitality calls us to care for the “stranger,” how do we obey God’s command to show biblical hospitality? Personally? As a family? At Christ Church?
We imitate God’s grace to us. We imitate God’s grace when we have received His grace. God has welcomed us as “strangers.” Israel was to “welcome the stranger” in their midst because God welcomed them (Lev. 19:34). “Welcoming the stranger” is proof that we have been redeemed. Let the memory of being a “stranger” from God stay close to you.
We invite the “stranger” into our lives. This may mean inviting them to your home or a favorite coffee shop. Whether we have immediate neighbors around us or down the road or in the office, chances are they are “strangers” to our values and way of life. If you’re hesitant to invite that person in the neighborhood or office, they may in fact be a “stranger” to you. Begin praying for them and see where God leads you? What a great way to demonstrate obedience to God’s word and model to our children biblical hospitality.
Other ways we demonstrate biblical hospitality here at Christ Church coming next issue.
What are some of the barriers we need to overcome to practice biblical hospitality?
