Kingdom Kindness

Several years ago we lived in the middle of the country over in Hillsborough and it seemed that people intentionally aimed for power poles to drive into on a regular basis. On one occasion it was the middle of winter and we just had Ella and you guessed it, our power went out and it was cold. Well, one of our friends found out about it and he sent us an address to a hotel and told us to drive up there and that he’d already taken care of everything for us.

Now, we could’ve toughed it out and we could’ve afforded a hotel ourselves, but the reason that I remember that all this time later is because that was a generous act of hospitality from someone who expected nothing in return.

Well, in 1 Peter 4:9 Peter writes to the Church and says,

1 Peter 4:9 NKJV

9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Today I want us to take a look at how our status as kingdom citizens affects our behavior towards those we come in contact with.

Christian Hospitality is rooted in the love God has shown us.

So we should treat others as God has treated us:

Israel recalling her captivity.

Leviticus 19:33–34 NKJV

33 ‘And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. 34 The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Us recalling our bondage to sin.

Romans 15:7 CSB

7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.

Christian Hospitality is not a performance, but a warm invitation to relieve the burden of another.

So we should aim to meet the needs of those around us by stepping into their shoes and going where they are:

The incarnation of Christ Jesus.

John 1:14 NKJV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

So when you are trying to minister to someone, think about what they like. If they hate being around big crowds, maybe don’t invite them to a big party but if they love coffee and quiet places, you could take them out for a cup of coffee. It’s about thinking of their needs and how you can bless them.

Christian hospitality is about meeting the needs of others without selfishness.

So we should treat everyone well, knowing that we could be entertaining angels.

Hebrews 13:2 NKJV

2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Abraham and the Three in Genesis.

Genesis 18:1–8 NKJV

1 Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3 and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. 4 Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.” They said, “Do as you have said.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. 8 So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

So how can we show hospitality?

You can write someone a card to encourage them or bake/cook them something.

You can help someone with yard work who might need it.

You can visit a shut in or widow just to let them know you think of them.

You can sit with someone who is by themselves at lunch.