June 2, 2006
A Congress On Hospitality
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Be kindly affectionate to one another . . . , given to hospitality. —Romans 12:10,13
Let me be the first to summon the church to a National Congress on Hospitality. We could hold it in Minneapolis near the Betty Crocker Kitchens, and perhaps we could borrow the Pillsbury Doughboy as our symbol. After all, there’s some truth to the slogan, “Nothin’ says lovin’ like somethin’ from the oven.”
The biblical word for hospitality means “a love of strangers.” Some-times people who visit our churches feel unwelcome. No one greets them or notices them. Hospitality, however, can break down barriers and build bridges. It can make strangers feel more welcome than just a word in the church bulletin.
For those tempted to shrug off my call for a Congress on Hospitality because they are planning another evangelistic outreach, let me insist that hospitality doesn’t conflict with outreach; it complements it! Inviting someone in for coffee, offering to babysit, taking a meal to a sick mother—all these show that we care. And people listen to someone who cares.
On second thought, I withdraw my call for a National Congress on Hospitality. Instead, let’s invite a few lonely folks to our homes and show them genuine Christian hospitality.
Each kindly act takes root;
And every bit of love we sow
In time will bear its fruit. —Anon.
Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 17-18; John 13:1-20