Show Hospitality

Today, as we end our One Thought series from Romans 12, we conclude with verse 13, which says...

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Romans 12:13 (ESV)

When I hear the first half of that verse, I think like an American: "contributing" in my mind means "give money." And while financial giving can definitely be part of meeting the "needs of the saints," I think the second half of the verse ("show hospitality") brings a broader definition to the first half.

The word "hospitality" is defined in the dictionary as "the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers." I like that definition! Generously receiving people into your home and heart can be one of the best ways to "contribute to the needs of the saints." While this can include hosting a party, it goes beyond that. This sort of hospitality can be shown on Sunday mornings, in Growth Groups, and even just caring for one person.

So does someone need a listening ear? Show hospitality through your presence. Does someone need to know they are loved? Invite them to hang out with you. See a new person on Sundays? Introduce yourself. Does someone you know need transportation? Generously offer to lend them your car. Does someone need a meal? Invite them over for pizza on Friday night. Is someone laid up and can't clean their home? Show hospitality by cleaning their home for them.

Just as Christ has shown us hospitality by receiving us into the family of God through His victory over sin and death, we should likewise receive others generously, and by doing so, meet their needs.