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Consideration of the other.
Hospitality is the consideration of others that allows us to welcome God in person, demonstrating our love for others. All people are created in the image of God, with the same human needs and longings. When we approach others with compassion and openness to listen to their experience, we will better understand their needs.
A guest may arrive tired, hungry or sometimes wounded. To restore them with food and rest is a duty. We see the response of Abraham to unfamiliar guests in Genesis 18 and the response of the Good Samaritan to the wounded stranger in the parable Jesus shared with his disciples in Luke 10. To welcome and respond to the needs of others is a specific command from God and an instruction Jesus made so clear to his first disciples (Matthew 10:40-42).
In practice, offering hospitality may not always feel easy. But as followers of Jesus, we must rise above the difficulties encountered. We can become reluctant to open our doors and welcome in those who have caused hurt or disappointment. When extending hospitality feels difficult, we can call out to God for his help to fulfil this duty, to replace our hesitancy with conviction and judgement with compassion. In our context, the Congolese are truly hospitable not only towards their peers but also towards those who are poor or disadvantaged and towards strangers.
Hospitality is an attitude that teaches us how to open our hearts to others without grumbling or complaining, to receive them considerately, to listen to them and to provide lodging and food without recompense.
When we limit our hospitality, we deprive ourselves of God's joy.
For reflection:
How willing am I to open my heart to others and offer hospitality freely?
A prayer for today:
Loving Heavenly Father, awaken my heart to your love so that I can welcome others into my life, wherever I may be and whoever I may encounter today.
AMEN
About this Plan
With open doors and open hearts, we can welcome others into a space where they are seen, loved and valued. Into a space where they can meet with Jesus and discover the fullness of life as God intended. In this eight-day plan, take a closer look at examples and stories of hospitality found in the Bible and reflect on how you can practice hospitality well with your own life.
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