Practice Hospitality

Today's blog is contributed by David Trotta:

“Contribute to the needs of God’s people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.” (Romans 12:13 Amplified)

The definition for hospitality is “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.”

We often practice hospitality by opening our home to our friends, family, coworkers, and even acquaintances, but how often do we practice hospitality with strangers?

Did you know the Greek word translated “hospitality” in the New Testament literally means “love of strangers?”  In other words, God wants us to “pursue the practice of loving strangers.”

Hospitality doesn’t have to be limited to our home either.  We can demonstrate hospitality at work, at the mall or on a street corner.  You can receive and entertain a stranger in the supermarket aisle, doctor’s office or auto repair shop.  Hospitably can be shown anytime, anywhere.

God is the greatest example of hospitality in action.  He is the most hospital person that ever existed.  Through Jesus, God swung the door wide open and said “come on in.”  He is always inviting us into His presence and His door never closes.  It’s wedged open all the time.

And the more time we spend in God’s presence enjoying His hospitality, the more we will desire to give hospitality away to others.

How hospitable are you?  Will you join me in making hospitality a lifestyle?  Very few actions will proclaim more loudly “I love you,” or more importantly “God loves you.”