Natalie was at my house last night. We were working on headbands. After she had been there for about an hour, she asked if I minded if she got something to drink. Of course I didn't mind and told her I was sorry for not asking sooner. #Hostessfailure! She just laughed and said she had been to my house so many times that it didn't really matter. It got me thinking though...how hospitable are we in God's house? How many times do people come into our church services and leave wondering if we even noticed they were there? Even more importantly, how hospitable are we outside of God's house. Do we show the love of Jesus everywhere we go? No one can deny that Jesus instructed us to love and serve others. In fact, He showed us by example when He ate with sinners and washed the feet of His disciples. I understand that many of you don't have your own home and still attend school. Some of you may not even have your driver's license yet. However, there are still many ways you can serve others and show a spirit of hospitality.
One way is simply to be available when people need you and be sensitive to God's leading. In We Didn't Know They Were Angels, Doris Greig said "Being available is not only listening to what your friend is saying, but listening to what she isn't saying also." Be available to listen and be sensitive when God tells you what your friend is trying to say and can't.
Also, be generous with what you have. Luke 12:48 (NIV) says “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Ladies, we have been given so much. Some of us may not be blessed financially, others may have struggles in other areas of life, but we have all been blessed with the knowledge of who Jesus is and in having a relationship with Him. No matter who you are, you can show Christ’s love to the people around you through your words and actions. Jesus also told us to give with no thought of being repaid for our kindness. In Luke 14:12-14 (NIV) He said: "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
Finally, we can strive to show a Christ-like attitude. Sometimes its easier said than done, but we should all try to always be polite to the people around us. In Colossians 3:12-14 (The Message) Paul said: "...chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." When we have the attitude Paul described, we will be careful not to crush each other's spirits with our words. Rather, we will lift each other up with words of encouragement. "A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:23-24 (NIV).
XOXO,
Amberly
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