Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

1 Peter 4:8-11
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.


Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 1 Pete 4:9 (NRSV)



I was recently in the United States, staying with a friend who travels often to Russia. His church is a partner church of the United Methodist Church is Pskov. He had invited some other people whom I had fist met in Pskov to come to his home on Sunday evening to visit with me.

On Sunday afternoon his wife became ill and he had to take her to the hospital. I remained alone in their home and prepared some food for the gathering. The guests arrived, but their hosts still had not come home. I opened the door, welcomed everyone and the party began. About two hours later, our hosts arrived. We said to them jokingly, “Welcome! May yourself at home!”

I often feel very much at home when visiting friends and I do all I can to make guests in my house feel at home. So I try to receive my guests as if I am receiving Christ himself – and I can’t wait for the day when Christ will welcome me into heaven and say, “Make yourself at home.”


Prayer: Dear Lord, bless our homes so that those to whom we offer hospitality may feel your love. We pray as Jesus taught us saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Those offering hospitality this week

Thought for the Day: Invite a family to your church to share a meal.

Story shared by: N. Vidamour (England)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional:11/25/11