"Open your homes to each other without complaining" 1 Peter 4:9
Radical hospitality is quite prevalent throughout the Bible, especially the New Testament. One gets the sense that Jesus reall felt the need to impress upon his followers the need to welcome the stranger. Rick Warren puts it this way in today's devotional. Todays church needs to be bathed in unselfish, loving accepting hospitality. Unless we develop a true spirit of acceptance in our church families the hospitality we extend to the world will be hypocritical.
In New England, we tend to be a very private people. Though not as strong in Rhode Island, as in, say, Maine, it's still there. We like our homes, and our own spaces. Yet, my experience has been, once you get in the door, things warm up - it just takes longer. Perhaps we are, each of s called, to invite someone new in the door. Try it out.
Have you had your neighbors into your home lately?
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About the Blog Author
- The St Andrew Blog
- Charlestown, Rhode Island, United States
- Pastor Jim Hazelwood
1 comment:
This message reminds me of another passage in scripture that says "Many have entertained angels unawares". How often do we allow ourselves to be used by God to be His angels and give of ourselves something of substance? I know it is something I feel God is always challenging me to do, to be aware of opportunities to do that which requires some element of faith to accomplish the task. What do you think?
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