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Hospitality, July 9
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Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man
hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as
good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:9, 10
When the spirit of hospitality dies, the heart becomes palsied with
selfishness.
“A lover of hospitality” is among the specifications given by the Holy
Spirit as marking one who is to bear responsibility in the church. And to
the whole church is given the injunction: “Use hospitality one to another
without grudging....”
1 Peter 4:9, 10
.
These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even among those
who profess to be Christians, true hospitality is little exercised. Among
our own people the opportunity of showing hospitality is not regarded
as it should be, as a privilege and blessing. There is altogether too little
sociability, too little of a disposition to make room for two or three more
at the family board, without embarrassment or parade. Some plead that
“it is too much trouble.” It would not be if you would say: “We have
made no special preparation, but you are welcome to what we have.” By
the unexpected guest a welcome is appreciated far more than is the most
elaborate preparation....
Christ keeps an account of every expense incurred in entertaining for
His sake. He supplies all that is necessary for this work. Those who for
Christ’s sake entertain their brethren, doing their best to make the visit
profitable both to their guests and to themselves, are recorded in heaven
as worthy of special blessings.
As you open your door to Christ’s needy and suffering ones, you are
welcoming unseen angels. You invite the companionship of heavenly
beings. They bring a sacred atmosphere of joy and peace. They come
with praises upon their lips, and an answering strain is heard in heaven.
Every deed of mercy makes music there.
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