“Better to do for one what we wish we could do for everyone (Andy Stanley).”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November December 3, 2021
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13
Steve and Jackie Reed modeled for my wife Rita and I how to love people by opening our home. With a smile on their faces, they could not wait for friends and family to flourish within their four walls. So, for over a decade we have invited friends from our community or leaders from around the country for a 48-hour experience of mentoring and getting to know each other. Behind the scenes we prepared a meal or quietly served to make sure everyone had what they needed (always, extra toothbrushes and shampoo!). Love does, and the Reed’s hospitality has led us to love by opening our home.
The needs of those around us can be overwhelming: sick children, aging parents, unemployed friends, prodigal teenagers and acquaintances crushed under the weight of financial pressures. Their needs are like a noose around their neck, ready to choke out their joy and peace. If we are not intentional in helping others, we may do nothing. We hold back when we feel like we can’t do something for everyone. Everyone’s responsibility becomes no one’s responsibility. So, love one.
Yes, it’s better to do for one what we wish we could do for everyone. Just as the wise woman on her walk along the seashore picked up one marooned starfish and tossed it back into the ocean, she rescued and refreshed one. She saved one life and trusted other caring souls to do the same. Thus, we nurture one infant’s life who may become a mayor, missionary or medical professional. We tutor one troubled teen who finds forgiveness in a loving relationship with Jesus. Hospitality cares.
“Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us” (2 Kings 4:10).
Hospitality can be a simple, small, practical room filled with warmth and love. Let your guest set the schedule that serves them best, but be there as a silent supporter. Certainly, if they want to engage in conversation, do so with discretion and discernment. The ability to make one person feel loved and at home is priceless compared to doing nothing for the needy multitude. Your model of hospitality inspires even introverts to open their home as a sanctuary for their Savior.
Prayerfully, look to the Lord’s people for a place to stay. Better to be in the presence of people who care for you than alone in a hotel hounded by sin’s allure. You save money, you bless others and you protect your testimony when you free a friend to practice hospitality in your honor. Because it is more blessed to give than receive, you allow others to be blessed when you accept their invitation to stay with them. Christian’s care for their own. Hospitality is heaven’s gentle hand that provides a safe, loving place!
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me who I can share Your love with by opening up my home and offering hospitality, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Consider opening your home on a regular rhythm to serve others.
Related Reading
Job 31:32; Matthew 10:41; Acts 20:35; 1 Timothy 3:2, 5:10; Hebrews 13:2
Worship Resource
Natalie Grant: My Weapon
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