Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Christ's invitation to hospitality
Romans 12:9-16
Vs 13 Contribute  to the needs of  the saints and seek to show hospitality.
                   In this scripture portion, the apostle  Paul  describes different ways  to practice  sincere  love in a Christian perspective, with sincerity,discernment, honoring others,  enthusiasm,  patience, generosity,  humility,  sympathy, kindness and hospitality.  When we are able to mix them together, they form God's love,  which is perfect  and  unconditional.  We  are called to  practice love to the fallen world.
                   Hospitality means  a friendly and  generous reception to invite  people into your life situations.  It also means  providing service to others with  a courteous, welcoming attitude, with a feel of  sharing and caring.      Hospitality in the  biblical perspective, is not sharing our wealth and  other resources only, but includes  sharing ourselves in love and  giving ourselves for help, comfort and companionship.
                   Abraham  in Old testament, was a model for hospitality because he entertained  three visitors graciously. It turned out  to be a blessing to him and Sarah. As said in the Bible, “Don't forget  to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). 
                     New testament  also emphasizes  hospitality. Jesus  emphasized  the importance of hospitality to those  in need, those who are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, a God's servant, an evangelist, naked, sick or a prisoner.  Christ  has even warned that failure to do so will have eternal consequences on his second coming.  Paul includes hospitality as  qualification for a  Lord's servant, which needs to be practiced  to one another without complaining. Apostle John highly recommends Christians to show love and sharing to fellow believers and servants of God and even  to non believers who began their journey for the sake of Christ, so that  we may become co-workers with the truth. (3John 1:7-8). 
                      Therefore, as disciples of Lord Jesus, shall we follow and be obedient to his command to practice  sincere love and hospitality to a needy stranger.
PRAYER
Lord,  may your grace enable us to practice sincere love of Christ by showing hospitality to a  person in need. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Can we pursue  hospitality as  a virtue, gift, and a calling?

Dr. John K. Thomas  Tabor MTC  Staten Island
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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