Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:10-13, The New International Version
Today's encouragement is simply two words, "Practice hospitality." This is one of the commands that we should all gravitate to. It is like someone saying, "eat dessert." We would be glad to. These two words develop in an interesting way.
The first word, "practice" is the same word that is often translated, "to persecute." It has the sense of chasing after someone. It is an intense word that elicits pursuit, running swiftly, or trying to really catch someone. It is anything but passive.
The second word, "hospitality," comes from a word that means "love your guests," or "befriend a stranger." In the Middle Eastern culture, it is customary to open your home to strangers and serve them. Abraham modeled this for us in Genesis 18 when he hosted the three "strangers" who prophesied of Isaac’s birth. Hebrews 13:2 says that in doing so you may entertain angels.
When we put the two words together we get the challenge to pursue making friends with strangers. While it is more difficult to do this in our pandemic season, we would do well to put this in our heart. The time is coming soon to welcome new people into the household of God.
The great part about pursuing others to love them as strangers is that soon they will become friends and part of the spiritual family. We will share our meals, our stories, and our lives with gladness of heart. Let's prepare ourselves in these days of isolation for what the Lord has planned ahead for us.
Here are our action plans today:
There may be someone new in your life from work or another social situation. Think of a way to include them in your lives. Simply enjoy them and listen to their story.
Pray for the harvest that is soon coming upon the earth for the Kingdom of God. All of this isolation is creating a unique opportunity for relationship when people are set free.
The Sabbath is here. Cease from your labor for a day this weekend and turn to your family and God for blessing and provision of heart.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love, Pastor Stuart