This week I will be sharing with the children on this topic “Be Hospitable”. Some writers have defined Christian’s hospitality as a willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given us, God’s message, love, joy, friendship, finances, and food etc. It is an attitude of stewardship, where we do not own anything because we are merely the caretaker, for the real owner of all things is God. Hospitality is exercised out of gratitude and reverence for God.
Am I hospitable? I’m afraid my answer is no. This is because I enjoy seeing familiar faces and are comfortable with them but I shun strangers. However, as I was reading up on this topic, I began to realize that I need to go beyond my comfort zone – it is a christian mission! Even though I may not like to talk to neighbors, meet new people, or greet strangers with a kind word and a smile, but I am called to do so! Do I make an effort to try to make people comfortable, or am I just careless? In fact to God, relationships are priority No. 1. It doesn’t mean being chatty beyond measure but a willingness to go beyond our comfort zone and engage people with Christ-like character!
God loves all men and He desires all men to be saved. This will not be possible if everyone of us remains in our comfort zone. Hospitality also means we are contributing to the development and growth of our family, friends, and fellow Christians. Hospitality is the door to discipleship. Without hospitality, Discipleship cannot function--and Discipleship is a call that Christ gives us, the Church, to do, above all else (Matthew 28: 18-20)! We must be willing to go beyond our comfort level to provide an ambiance which contributes to the physical and spiritual growth of people around us. If we do not, how will they know we are Christians and how do we glorify our Father in Heaven?
Am I hospitable? I’m afraid my answer is no. This is because I enjoy seeing familiar faces and are comfortable with them but I shun strangers. However, as I was reading up on this topic, I began to realize that I need to go beyond my comfort zone – it is a christian mission! Even though I may not like to talk to neighbors, meet new people, or greet strangers with a kind word and a smile, but I am called to do so! Do I make an effort to try to make people comfortable, or am I just careless? In fact to God, relationships are priority No. 1. It doesn’t mean being chatty beyond measure but a willingness to go beyond our comfort zone and engage people with Christ-like character!
God loves all men and He desires all men to be saved. This will not be possible if everyone of us remains in our comfort zone. Hospitality also means we are contributing to the development and growth of our family, friends, and fellow Christians. Hospitality is the door to discipleship. Without hospitality, Discipleship cannot function--and Discipleship is a call that Christ gives us, the Church, to do, above all else (Matthew 28: 18-20)! We must be willing to go beyond our comfort level to provide an ambiance which contributes to the physical and spiritual growth of people around us. If we do not, how will they know we are Christians and how do we glorify our Father in Heaven?
Comments
Post a Comment