Love God Greatly - Made for CommunitySample

The writer of Hebrews speaks in this passage of some of the marks of the Christian life. Believers in Jesus Christ love one another, especially those in the faith. They show hospitality to one another…not just to friends and those they are familiar with but to strangers as well. He also reminds them to remember those imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel.

In biblical times, when believers of Christ would travel to other cities, their desire was that could stay in the homes of other believers, in order to fellowship and gain encouragement from each other. Hospitality means “love of strangers” and entails the provision of food, lodging, clothing, comforting, counseling, and direction. By blessing strangers, there was also the possibility that one was a messenger of God, or angel, being blessed. An example is Abraham and Sarah’s reception of the three angels in Genesis 18:1-15 at the oaks of Mamre. Another example is Lot’s reception of two angels in Sodom in Genesis 19:1-3.

We often underestimate the influence our influence on others and the level of blessing that they can bring to our lives. One often receives unexpected encouragement and true fellowship from her guests. Not to mention the blessing of giving. The physical need for hospitality today may not be as great as it was in biblical times, but the spiritual need is just as important in the development and strengthening of spiritual ties.

How might you be missing out on Spirit-led connections and opportunities for growth and encouragement by associating with only those in your clique and/or spiritual circle? When was the last time you sat next to a stranger in church and initiated conversation with them? What keeps you from doing that again this week?

PRAYER: Father God, help us to grow and expand outside of our comfort zone. Lord, bless us with opportunities to encourage, uplift, and pray for strangers. Let our actions in their lives ignite a spirit of openness and generosity that multiplies Your kingdom. Remove the social barriers and cultural fears that prevent us from opening our hearts and homes to other Christians. In Jesus’ name. Amen.