Day 5

Written by Ps. Craig Maher

Pursue Hospitality

Read 

Romans 12:13 

Reflect

Some English translations of the original Greek word "diókó" use "practice" hospitality, but a better understanding of the Greek comes by the word "pursue" hospitality. "Pursue" is a strong word. It means "to follow in order to overtake or capture; to employ measures to obtain or accomplish."  

At the very heart of our DNA at Imagine Nations Church, but also in what we see in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the encouragement to live to give, live to bless, live to serve. To have an "others" focused life. Yet this does not just happen. This lifestyle is one which needs constant focus and priority because we mostly have a predisposition to focus on self rather than others. Hospitality is something that we are to chase after, rise to and regularly practice. Hospitality done deliberately and on purpose, out of an attitude of gratitude for all God has done for us.

A good friend of mine was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He had a delivery business, but as the treatments started and the illness progressed, he grew weaker and weaker. He shared with me that a Christian family next door began to regularly drop meals for him and his young family once a week. Initially these were rejected by my friend and his wife, but their neighbours persisted to offer this hospitality despite initially being rejected. This slowly grew to the provision of meals, most days. Then to mowing lawns & gardening. Then on some his worst days, to them taking care of deliveries for him so he could continue to provide an income for his family. Eventually, this led to my friend asking his neighbours, 'Why are you doing all this for me?' They replied, "We wanted to show you that Jesus loves you. We thought love demonstrated, might encourage you to believe the words … Jesus loves you." This led my friend to ask his neighbours about Jesus, and to him eventually accepting Jesus into his life. On the day my friend became a Christian, his neighbours also prayed for his healing. My friend was miraculously healed from his terminal diagnosis and has served the Lord in various ministries since. This all started when neighbours saw a need and pursued hospitality.  

Respond

Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to need in those around you. 

Consider how God may be calling you to meet that need.

How could you pursue hospitality, even if initially, your offer is rejected?