The Ministry of Hospitality

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)

Do you believe the Bible enough to apply it to your life?  There is the old joke about a guy who said, “I’m going to open my Bible and the first verse I read I’m going to honor by obeying.”  He read Matt. 27:5 “And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” He shook his head and said, “Nope not that. I’ll try again and this one I will obey!” His finger landed on, Luke 10:37, “Go and do likewise!” So he hanged himself.

In the world that we live in hospitality has become as scarce as hen’s teeth. (that’s Southern humor) The news reported that the Miracle of the Hudson (the plane crash into the Hudson River a few weeks ago) was a miracle in that nobody died because most of them were from the South and were courteous and helpful as they exited the plane.

“Offer hospitality without grumbling”.  This is important because it says a lot about your relationship with God through Jesus. Putting others first is the Christian thing to do. Galatians 5:22 lists the fruits of the Spirit as: love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”. How we treat others reflects what and WHO directs our lives.

Extending hospitality is one sure way to share the Gospel. “In Jesus’ Name” – Amen!