When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. ~ Romans 12:13 (NLT)
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What ever happened to the pineapple, that symbol of hospitality?!?
Hospitality may be a dying art, I don't know. I do know that we sure like to protect our privacy and our stuff, and we can be hesitant to share, to invite, to include others into our lives. Why is it that the three-foot bubble is so well-protected? How high are the fences that surround us? And how much do we miss when we keep people at a distance?
If Jesus lives in us, then it is Him who lives and not us (Galatians 2:20). He welcomed people, He ate with them, He walked with them, He included them in conversation. True--He didn't have a home to invite others to, but if He had, it would've been a packed house every night! :-) Simply put, He spent time with people, out of His love for them. So, as His children and ones who have died to self, we need to do what Jesus did.
Not only that, but the joy of friendships that are established when we lay down our self-defenses and our selfish isolation should not be missed! That is the body of Christ in working harmony! How about hosting a small group Bible study in your home? You'll be amazed at the community that is developed with your selfless hospitality! Or how about considering even a small financial commitment to a missionary you know? These are love offerings of worship to your God Who deserves all of our thanks and praise, and it helps you remember that all you have has been given to you by God for His good purposes and pleasure.
People,
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world
We're children needing other children
And yet letting our grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside
Acting more like children than children...
~ from the song, People (from the movie, "Funny Girl")
People do need people . . . you need them, and they need you. So burst the three-foot bubble and build a swinging gate in the fence of your life, letting others in, and being involved in the lives of others! Friendship and fulfillment in God's kingdom are the rewards for being the hospitality arm of God.
God loves community -- so let's be about giving, loving, and caring. May He bless you as you pass the pineapple! :-)
Love,
Joelene
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