“The Spirit of Hospitality”

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’" (Luke 14:12-14)

In this passage Jesus challenged his audience to examine the motives behind their hospitality.  It is not surprising that the Pharisees, desiring the praises of men, would miss the true spirit of generosity.  

It is easy for hospitality to grow into a selfish desire for show.  When this happens one misses out on the real joy of giving.

When carnal motives creep in, giving may become like the grim duty of paying taxes. One might deem his gift a way of buying his way to heaven, or a means of exercising his superiority over the beneficiary of his gift.

The spirit of true hospitality is illustrated in this passage. One must give because they cannot help it! One must strive to be like God who gave his only son, expecting nothing in return. (John 3:16)  One must give with no thought of the reward.  Such an outflow of love allies one with the noblest of men and women in the world.

According to the Lord those who give generously will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. (John 5:28, 29) Summarily, all who grudgingly withhold their gift when opportunities arise, will in like manner be recompensed.

There is a great reward for those with large hearts, who give bountifully of their lives and resources.  When such kindness is based on faith, hope, and love both the giver and the recipient are blessed and God is pleased.

By George Slover
 

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