Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
—Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)
What do you do to welcome new neighbors into your neighborhood or apartment complex?
How warmly do you personally welcome visitors at your church gatherings or in your Bible study group?
When was the last time you invited someone new from your congregation over for dinner or included them in a gathering of your Christian friends?
While some have the gift of hospitality, all of us need to be warm and open to folks we don't know who have joined us for Christian worship, ministry, fellowship, or moved into our neighborhood and need new friends. Why not make a commitment to meet and welcome one new person each week? In a cold, impersonal world, we can make a huge difference in the lives of those seeking the shelter and grace of Jesus and his people. Our worship without hospitality is not authentic worship (Hebrews 12:28-29, 13:15-16).
Father, please help me, and please help the fellowship of believers with whom I share my life so that we will all be more open and welcoming to others in our congregation and our daily lives. Help us love, include, and bless new people, those visiting, and those inquiring about Jesus and faith. Please use us to share your grace and provide them a Christian home and friendship. In Jesus' name and for others to know his grace, I pray this. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
What do you do to welcome new neighbors into your neighborhood or apartment complex?
How warmly do you personally welcome visitors at your church gatherings or in your Bible study group?
When was the last time you invited someone new from your congregation over for dinner or included them in a gathering of your Christian friends?
While some have the gift of hospitality, all of us need to be warm and open to folks we don't know who have joined us for Christian worship, ministry, fellowship, or moved into our neighborhood and need new friends. Why not make a commitment to meet and welcome one new person each week? In a cold, impersonal world, we can make a huge difference in the lives of those seeking the shelter and grace of Jesus and his people. Our worship without hospitality is not authentic worship (Hebrews 12:28-29, 13:15-16).
My Prayer...
Father, please help me, and please help the fellowship of believers with whom I share my life so that we will all be more open and welcoming to others in our congregation and our daily lives. Help us love, include, and bless new people, those visiting, and those inquiring about Jesus and faith. Please use us to share your grace and provide them a Christian home and friendship. In Jesus' name and for others to know his grace, I pray this. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
