PRACTICING HOSPITALITY

          That deep theologian we know as the apostle Paul emphasizes practical Christianity with a simple but profound exhortation to practice hospi-tality (Rom.12:13).  The apostle Peter appears to be on the same page when he writes, be hospitable to one another without complaint (1Pet.4:9).  Hospitality is a core building block for the local church.  It addresses the way we treat one another - - not just our dearest friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, but also those residing on the periphery of our lives.   In the book of Hebrews we read these words:  do not neglect to show hospi-tality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it (Heb.11:2).  Did you note those words:  hospitality to STRANGERS?  Below is an excerpt from the book, "Radical Hospitality", co-authored by Daniel Homan and Lonni Collins Pratt.  Please give it a prayerful reading.             

“We all have memories of tables prepared for us and those we have readied for others.  Some of the memories are from childhood.

Others are memories of good friends, of falling in love, or of deeply connecting with another human being. 

Meals are powerful symbols in our memory.  But someone has to make the meal happen.  Someone must consider it important

enough to give themselves to the work that goes into preparation.  Setting a table and making ready for a meal involves preliminary

thought and consideration for others….The image of preparing a table, or preparing a place, is a good overall image of hospitality.

In genuine hospitality we work to make our entire existence a welcoming table, a place prepared for others, to receive from

us comfort and strength.  Hospitality teaches me to work at becoming someone who is easy to be with, as either guest or host.

Hospitality becomes a way of life as we become more open.  It will not happen without preparation and unless you intend for it to happen.

When we speak of “preparing a table," we refer to the intention and THE WORK OF MAKING SPACE FOR ANOTHER HUMAN BEING.”

                                                                                                                                                                        Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ