Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

The first theme of Romans 12:13 is generosity. Generosity is first and foremost for God’s people, “the saints.” God’s people need to tend to, look out for, and care for one another. Generosity says, “Let me help you find a car or a job. Let me help pay for your groceries or cover the rent check this month.” Some people call this enabling, but God calls it loving.

Generosity has no strings attached. This is important to understand because some people give gifts with lots of conditions. I’ve seen this happen with parents of adult children. “I will pay your college tuition if you go where I tell you to go.” “I will help pay for your house if you do what I tell you to do.” This isn’t generosity—it’s manipulation and control. True generosity is one-way grace in which God uses a person to meet someone’s practical needs. It can be a meal, a car, or furniture, but it’s always a blessing.

The second theme of Romans 12:13 is hospitality. Hospitality means welcoming a stranger. The difference between a stranger and a friend is hospitality. The area surrounding Scottsdale, Arizona, where I have the honor of being a senior pastor, has become one of the fastest-growing areas in the entire country in recent years. As churches, businesses, and life, in general, closed in many parts of the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people moved to the Phoenix area in record numbers to regain a bit of normalcy in their lives. As believers, we have a wonderful opportunity to look for ways to meet newcomers' physical and practical needs.

Hospitality allows us to participate in bringing God’s blessings to other people’s lives. It’s like going to work with our heavenly Father. When I was younger, my dad sometimes let me go to work with him. I would put on my little boots and bring my little lunchbox for a big day with my dad. Did he need me to help him? Absolutely not. In fact, I probably was a hindrance to his progress. But we got to spend time together and build our relationship.

In the same way, God invites us alongside Him to accomplish His purposes and show goodness and hospitality to others. In Acts 20:35, Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If you learn to give, then you can learn to forgive. If you learn to give, then you can become a better parent, friend, and spouse. This all goes together in a healthy soul.

Today’s Reflection

To whom can you be a blessing and show hospitality this week?