Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Offer Hospitality to One Another

Reading: 1 Pet.4:8-11

Key Verse: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” v.9

This is one of several verses in the NT which encourage hospitality. One of the problems groups and churches face is the emergence of exclusive cliques where people only relate to themselves in a small sub-unit.  Such small cliques can be beneficial where they welcome others but can be dangerously divisive when newcomers are excluded.

The Greek word hospitality means to be fond and welcoming of foreigners and strangers by treating them as guests and friends. This is not solely the role of a Welcome Team on the front door but a responsibility and privilege of every church member.  Neither is it just about a perfunctory handshake but welcoming and inviting strangers to join you and your friends in “after church activities” such as coffee, meals, cinema trips and so on. 

Many in today’s society feel excluded by factors such as race, background, age, culture and status. Rom.15:7 instructs us to “accept one another” just as Jesus accepted us. He accepted the rejected prostitute and despised tax collector. He chose simple fishermen as his disciples yet stayed in the home of wealthy Lazarus. Ultimately He chose you and me to be his Bride and invited us to spend eternity with Him in Paradise!

Prayer: Lord give me eyes to see strangers who I can invite to become my friends