Be A Superhero Without Leaving HomeSample

The Super Power of an Open Door

Is your door open to those in need? The Greek word used for “hospitality” literally means having a “love of strangers.” It’s the quality of receiving and treating guests in a warm way and this virtue is commanded throughout the Bible.

You may think our popular superheroes aren’t known for their hospitality, but remember in Avengers 2 when Hawkeye and his wife Laura, welcome the Avengers into their homestead. In a sense, their home turned into a safe house where their enemies could not find them. Perhaps keeping our doors open is a super power of its own!

In our verses today, God calls us to offer hospitality to others without grumbling. We are called to faithfully serve others through the virtue of hospitality. In Acts 16, we can learn a lot from the jailor. Paul and Silas were his prisoners who were praying and singing worship to God. Suddenly, the earth shook as a violent earthquake threw the prison doors open. When the jailor woke up, he drew his sword to kill himself because he thought all his prisoners had escaped. Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here.” Paul went on to share the gospel of Jesus with the jailor. What was the jailor’s reaction following his belief? He invited Paul and Silas to his house, set a meal before them, and he was filled with joy.

We see the virtue of hospitality throughout the Bible. In fact, Jesus, His disciples and the early Christians relied on the hospitality of others as they traveled from town to town. Perhaps that is why hospitality was regarded as such a high virtue in those times.

When we open our door to others, we emulate Jesus’ love and compassion. In fact, Luke 14:13-14 says, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed…” By serving others, we are serving Jesus and spreading His truth.

Suggested Prayer: “Father, I give my home to you. It doesn’t matter whether I live in the tiniest apartment or the largest mansion; I can open my home to others. Give me a hospitable heart that looks for those in need.”