November Discipleship Challenge: Hospitality

“Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!”

Hebrews 13:1-2 (The Message)

The Challenge

The world seems to become more dangerous every day. People feel vulnerable in their own homes and on guard in the presence of others. True welcome and nurture seems like a long-lost dream. But because we have been welcomed into the love of Christ and received as dearly loved children, we can offer the world a place of safety and healing. We can incarnate the welcoming heart of God for the world. God welcomes strangers, inviting them to share his home and get to know his family.

The Practice: Try One of the Following

(1) HOLIDAY HOSPITALITY- As you gather with friends and family for the holiday season, focus on hospitality with everyone you encounter. What would it look like to be more focused on offering Jesus’ welcome to any and all than on a perfectly decorated home, a perfectly worded retort to someone with an opposing opinion, or a perfectly planned meal?

(2) PRAYERS OF BLESSING- Develop the practice of praying for the people you invite to your home. Pray for them as they arrive. Pray for them as they leave your driveway.

(3) SPREAD THE LOVE- Help the children in your life grow in understanding God’s hospitable heart. Help them plan a gathering with their friends. Encourage them to think about what will make each one feel most welcome.

(4) CHURCH HOSPITALITY- Come to the Sing For Your Supper event with the Forestview Concert Choir on Nov. 19. As you fellowship with people who don’t attend Union Church, focus on extending the welcoming heart of God for the world.

The When and the Why

During World War 2 an entire French village risked their lives to welcome and shelter Jews. When pastor Andre Trocme was asked why the village responded as they did, he replied, “I could not bear to be separated from Jesus.” That is hospitality at its core- offering the welcome of Jesus to any and all.