God’s Heart For The PoorSýnishorn

Freely Given, Not Exchanged

Genuine humility. It’s such a hard concept to understand and apply, but this chapter of Luke gives us a great example.

In ancient times, the seating arrangement at the banquet was very important. The table was often in the shape of a U and the host sat at the base. Then the honored guests sat closest to the host and they often were the last to arrive.

In this parable, people wanted the seats of honor next to the host. Jesus says that we should not seek out the place of honor, for when we do that, we may be asked to move when a more distinguished guest arrives.

Jesus also calls us to serve those who cannot repay our kindness. Rather, we should invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. Why? The best form of hospitality is that which is freely given, not exchanged. These people were unable to reciprocate the kind act.

True kindness reaches out to those in need without looking for payback. It gives freely and graciously—just like Jesus did for us. Rather than catering to the rich, the movers and shakers, or the powerful, take time to show compassion to those who will never repay.