January 26, 2012

... I was a stranger...

...and you welcomed me.~Matthew 25:35


I have been reading through "Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition" these past few weeks as a part of my book schedule.

I highly suggest you read it as well.

This book is life-giving to the home but not for the hostess but rather for the guest and will stir your soul into action. 

When we think of hospitality, we often think of simply entertaining our friends and family in our homes. Have you considered opening your home to strangers? Someone you have never met until that moment?
Jesus said, "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you."~ Luke 14:13-14


Here are a few quotes...

"In Romans 15:7, Paul urges believers to "welcome one another" as Christ has welcomed them...In the church, the household of God, hospitality is a fitting, requisite, and meaning filled practice...Though part of everyday life hospitality is never far removed from it's divine connections."

"Hospitality is central to the meaning of the gospel...A fuller awareness of the riches of hospitality tradition and the extraordinary experiences associated with hospitality enriches Christian faith and brings Christian practice into closer alignment with the basic values of the Kingdom. Hospitality is a lens through which we can read and understand much of the gospel, and practice by which we can welcome Jesus himself."

"In hospitality, the stranger is welcomed into a safe, personal and comfortable place, a place of respect and acceptance and friendship. Even if only briefly, the stranger is included in a life-giving and life-sustaining network of relations."

"Hospitality is not optional for Christians, nor is it limited to those who are specially gifted for it. It is, instead a necessary practice in the community of faith."

Matthew 5:39-44
Matthew 25:31-46

Luke 6:27-31 
Luke 10:29-37
Luke 14:13-14

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