Bible Explorer for the Young (2 Kings)Sample

Practise Hospitality

Romans 12:13

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Story

Whenever Elisha and Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, were in Shunem, there was a Shunammite woman who would show hospitality to them by providing a place to sleep and food to eat (2 Kings 4:8-10). Showing hospitality means being friendly and helpful.

One day, Elisha told the Shunammite woman to move to another place because he knew that there would be a famine in the land for seven years. So she and her family moved from that land so that they would not die of hunger.

After seven years, she came back. Just before she went to meet the king to claim back her house and land that she had left vacant for seven years, Gehazi told the king about the miracle that Elisha had performed to the woman’s son. Because of this, not only did the king restore her land and house, he also gave her all of the income from the land from the last seven years! 

The Shunammite woman showed heartfelt hospitality to Elisha. In return, God not only protected her from famine; He also rewarded her with big blessings. God will reward you for showing hospitality to others. You’re not too young to practice hospitality. You can start now!

Prayer

Dear God, help me to be caring to whoever needs help or hope. May my hospitality bring joy and smile to them. Amen.