Uncommen: Freely GivenSample

Human Nature

Human nature makes us tribal. It becomes second nature to distrust what is different, thus pushing us to be uncomfortable. We find comfort in familiarity, which makes genuine hospitality difficult. As Alvin Sanders shares, "Christ's goal was not to eliminate ethnicity but to transcend it." For ethnicity to transcend, it is essential to accept, experience, appreciate, and learn to leverage all that is unique. It is not possible to achieve this without radical hospitality. To move the borders of ethnic differences, we must become flexible in the traits we hold onto tightly and let ourselves become defined by Christ, not our nations.

Jessica Wrobleski shares, "The Hebrew Scriptures identify the practice of hospitality to the vulnerable as an important moral duty which in turn shaped the thought of Jesus, Paul, and the early Christian communities." Immigrants, refugees, and anyone who falls into the category of vulnerable deserve the dignity God created for them. It is vital to welcome them and know them as a moral duty. We are co-participants in God's creation, which includes His Grace. John Chrysostom shared:

"If you are always so scrupulous about the character of your guests, many a time you will pass by a person of esteem and lose your reward. Yet whoever receives someone, not of high status, has no fault found with him, but is even rewarded. So don't busy yourself with people's lives and doings. For this very extreme of stinginess, to nitpick about a person's entire life to avoid giving them one loaf of bread."

Chrysostom's words echo many's sentiments when discussing a sojourner's plight. Questions are raised about their background and filled with what-if questions. For example, if someone is hungry, feed them. It does not have to be a difficult decision. A simple loving action might change the course of their journey.

Over time hospitality has changed. It has gone from welcoming the sojourner to becoming an industry. Our homes have become secure fortresses, with security cameras, guard dogs, and more to allow only those who live inside. Hospitality has also become an industry with mega-hotels, spas, and relaxation centers. It is often unheard of to invite someone to stay or for a meal to be kind. The Gospel advancement is through hospitality.

Our actions speak volumes. Our hospitality begins the relationship, and our steps that follow can show our love and welcoming nature, or they can destroy walls. We are ambassadors of Christ wherever we are. The neighbors know we are Christians by watching our actions.

Uncommen Questions:

Rather than assume the worst about someone, what if grace were extended to that person?

What if we gave them the benefit of the doubt?

Uncommen Challenge:

Open your heart and home to someone unlike yourself for a meal, coffee, or just a chat to get to know "the other."