There was a time in the recent history of our own country when a type of Biblical hospitality was widely practiced — and still is in some regions. I recall it in my own family.
In the summer of 1963, I traveled with my grandparents to Coffeyville, Kansas. You probably recall the famous Dalton Gang? Well, they too were from Coffeyville (We all have a claim to fame — mine is that the Daltons were my great-grandmother’s neighbors!). Guess where we stayed on the way and while we were there? The Hilton? Holiday Inn? No. We spent almost every night in the homes of family and friends!
I only recall staying in a motel one night during that 2-3 week vacation! Gramps had the whole trip mapped out so that each night we had a place to stay. The amazing thing to me as I think back on those visits is we were always warmly received and treated very kindly.
Thinking back on my childhood memories of my grandparents, people were always coming and going in their home! They were very gracious and generous with everyone in need. You see, we reap what we sow.
It’s so refreshing to see Biblical hospitality practiced today! I know of so many people who give with no thought of return; folks who sacrifice — and make it look so effortless and natural. Thank you (many of you are reading this devotional!) for your sterling example. It’s a choice you have, are, and will continue to make, for which you will be handsomely rewarded if not in this life, surely in the one to come!
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless — cheerfully.
Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything — encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!” I Peter 4:9-11 (The Message)