Love and Hospitality 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality — Romans 12:12-13

What does genuine Christianity look like in action? Great question. Paul said that it abhors what is evil and holds fast to what is good. It seeks to outdo others in showing honor, stays fervent in spirit, and refuses to be slothful in zeal. It rejoices in hope, is patient in tribulation, and remains constant in prayer. And it meets the needs of the saints while seeking to show hospitality to others. All of these characteristics combine to tell us that our grace-transformed hearts express love sincerely, hating what is evil and clinging to what is good. 

The crowning characteristic of genuine faith in these verses is hospitality. In the Bible, hospitality is more than opening our homes to others and entertaining them. It’s a commitment to sacrificing ourselves and our preferences for the good of other people. It requires a reordering of our priorities and a willingness to give our time, talents, and energy to ordinary acts of welcome and generosity to others as a reflection of God’s love for us. As we share meals, offer encouragement, and meet needs, we reflect the gracious welcome we have personally received from God in Christ. In this way, hospitality becomes an act of spiritual worship (Romans 12:1-2), where our love for God flows from our lives into the lives of others, allowing us to demonstrate the gospel daily. Now, where can you be more hospitable and gracious today? 

Prayer: Hospitable Spirit, I admit that I am often closed off from other people as I focus on my own cares and concerns. Forgive me for not showing hospitality. Give me the love of Christ so that I can welcome others into my life and Your Kingdom more warmly. 

Reflection Questions: 

1. How does your current practice of welcome reflect the sincerity of your love for other people? 
2. What barriers (time, comfort, fear, etc) tend to keep you from showing hospitality more freely? And, what is one practical way you can overcome those barriers this week?

Weekly Memory Verse: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. — 1 John 5:3