ODJ: strange love
May 12, 2011
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:1-2).
READ: 1 Peter 4:7-11
For many years I served as an itinerant Bible teacher and traveled to different cities to teach God’s Word. Usually, I would stay in a local church family’s home during my visit—believers in Jesus whom I met for the very first time. Showering me with simple creature comforts, these hospitable people gave me “a home away from home.” I often marveled that my hosts would risk inviting me, a complete stranger, into their lives.
Encouraging believers who were suffering because of persecution (1 Peter 1:6, 4:12), Peter reminded his readers of things that are “most important of all” (v.8). He encouraged believers to “continue to show deep love for each other” (v.8)—to unconditionally forgive one another; “cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay” (v.9); diligently use your spiritual gifts to serve one another (v.10); and to deliberately seek to glorify God in everything you do (v.11).
In welcoming me into their homes, believers in Jesus did more than just show me Christian love; they obeyed the command to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9 NIV). The word hospitality in Greek literally means, “being friendly to strangers.” Peter exhorted Christians to provide food and lodging to traveling Bible teachers and to believers who had been displaced by persecution.
Twice in the book of Hebrews we’re reminded to be hospitable, suggesting that it’s something that’s often neglected. “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2) and “Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God” (13:16), and bring glory to Him (1 Peter 4:11). —K.T. Sim
What are some ways you can practice hospitality today? Would you consider opening your home to a visiting believer? Why or why not?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODJ: unplanned
November 24, 2010 I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born (v.3). READ: Isaiah 46:3-4, 8-11 At 17, she was in the midst of a brief season of rebellion. One night, instead of staying at a friend’s house, as she had told her parents, she [...]
ODJ: give it a rest
March 23, 2010 Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (v.28). READ: Matthew 11:25-30 Harold J. Ockenga, friend of Billy Graham and first president of Fuller Seminary and the National Association of Evangelicals, was one of the founding fathers [...]
ODB: Fear Factor
July 19, 2011 READ: Genesis 20:1-13 Abraham said, “. . . surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife.” —Genesis 20:11 If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you know that his heroes always have a serious character flaw. It makes for a good [...]
The Christian Run
By Rohit Chacko, India The weather beat down hard, But he still kept the run. People around called him insane, Still, he was determined to see the end— The end of an awesome journey. Those closest warned him Of the imminent suffering; Yet his faith prevailed! To them it was just religion, But by God’s [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米