ROMANS 12:9-13

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

TO PONDER

I wonder if we have become less hospitable over the last few years. I often remember my parents hosting dinner parties with friends and neighbours when I was younger. It was not uncommon for us to have visitors sharing a meal with us on either a Friday or Saturday evening.

I suspect the shift may be because the pace of life has increased; people seem busier today than what they perhaps used to be. But that busyness, in many ways stems from the opposite of those traits listed in the verse above. Be devoted to one another is the opposite of being too busy taking care of our own needs, Honouring others above yourself is the opposite of making time to ensure you have time to binge your favourite television show. Don't lose zeal is the opposite of 'I'm too tired' or 'I can't be bothered'.

Family time is important, and every family should try to find some time to connect with one another and check in with one another, but I can't help but think many families have traded in 'hospitality' for more time withdrawing and keeping to themselves. Why not try getting the family excited about working together to put on a nice meal and inviting others into your family. That kind of hospitality, over time, often leads to an opportunity to talk about Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you came down from heaven and joined the human family, bringing with you a gracious invitation of hospitality and adoption into your family. Help me and my family to not lose our zeal for serving others and offering hospitality. Use me and my family to extend your heavenly hospitality to others. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.