Radiate: 14 Devotions to Reflect the Heart of JesusSample

Hospitality Like No Other

Share with the LORD’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. ROMANS 12:13 NIV

We walked in and saw the table was set. There were notes on each of our plates, carefully placed for each of us. Chicken salad croissants, our favorite homemade dip, and a key lime pie were prepared for us to devour. She knew we would be hungry when we walked in, even though we weren’t aware of our hunger until we smelled the food. I knew she had her own set of to-dos that day, but she chose to serve us, and in doing so, she ministered to us in a way we were not expecting.

As we sat and devoured our lunch, she asked questions about our day, what we were enjoying these days, and what Jesus was doing in our lives. Her genuine curiosity and desire to converse with us made us feel special and seen as if the homemade lunch wasn’t enough on its own.

Hospitality is often described and imagined in tangible ways—the food that is prepared, the table that is set, and the service that is extended. How-ever, the enjoyment of the receiver is found in the spirit of the giver, not the gift. The lunch experience I described above is one I will never forget not because of the delicious food but because of the thoughtfulness that carried it. This lovely lady had no obligation to feed us; she received no payment for doing so—in fact, she spent her own money, offered her own atmosphere, gave her own time, and sacrificed her own schedule to be present for ours. And the craziest part? She thanked us—like, she was genuinely grateful—for our presence and our consuming of what she had made.

This living sermon opened my eyes even wider to the hospitality of our heavenly Father. He isn’t rushed; He gives us His attention. He knows our needs before we know them, and He considers it a joy to meet them. He thinks of our most favorite things and smiles as He prepares them for us to enjoy. He delights in our delight because He knows it will lead us to His feet. He cares about the depth of our souls—our worries, big and small, and the greatest hopes in our hearts. He wants to hear it all. As we sit at His table and enjoy the gifts and presence of our King, our lives are marked by such hospitality and care. What did we do to deserve a life so sweet?

May our hands be willing to give to others the same treatment of grace we have been extended. Whether it be through intentional conversation, a heartfelt prayer, or a “welcome to the neighborhood” chocolate pie, we can radiate the care of Jesus in any space we find ourselves—what an opportunity!

Dear Jesus, thank You for the table You set before me. You give me all that I need and far more than I could ever deserve. Help me to offer that same care and concern for others. In Jesus’ name, amen.