Page 5 - May 2022 - Truth & Tidings

The Motive Giving without receiving is contrary

Whatever this “hospitality” is, the to the natural man. Peter had to remind
meaning of the word establishes that believers that they were to show hospi-
it is motivated by love. While it is love tality “without grudging” or murmur-
for the stranger that is emphasized, it is ing (1Pe 4:9). This Christian virtue of
ultimately love for the Lord Jesus that is love-motivated service toward another
the bedrock upon which all rests. We love believer was to be accomplished with
the “brethren” because we love the Lord the purest of motives and the sincerest
Jesus Christ (1Jn 3:14,16). As always, true of attitudes.
love is going to be costly, as we shall see. The Measure
Aside from its motivation, what else does
this love entail? The mention of hospitality in Romans
12:13 is linked with distributing to the
The Manner needs of believers. So, it suggests that
Hospitality of this nature would be hospitality would embrace seeing to all
far different from our current concept. the needs of these persecuted saints. The
It would entail risk. “Strangers” would citations in Timothy and Titus remind
not necessarily come with letters of in- us that those in leadership must set an
troduction or letters of commendation. example in displaying this love of strang-
You would be faced with someone who ers. Its link with the distribution of gifts
“claimed” to be a brother or sister un- and the manifold grace of God in 1 Peter
dergoing persecution. You would have suggests that this is something which
no way to verify the story and would be rises above normal human charity and
left to decide to show kindness on the kindness. Finally, Hebrews 13 holds out
basis of an individual’s word. No doubt, the fact that in showing hospitality in en-
some believers were taken advantage tertaining strangers, we will accomplish
of in their zeal to show “hospitality.” It far more than we will ever know. The
is a stark reminder that when believers simplest act of hospitality in a coming
desire to be used by the Lord, they run day of tribulation and persecution for
the danger of being abused by evil men. saints will receive a worthy recompense
That aspect continues to be true today from the Lord Himself (Mat 25:35-40).
for those who seek to help the homeless,
conduct ESL classes, or engage in similar Should we expect less?
outreach works. In light of the scriptural concept of
The hospitality extended to strangers hospitality, is it possible for us to show
would preclude the likelihood of its be- “love of strangers” today? As mentioned
ing reciprocated. Here were individuals earlier, those involved in outreach works
with very little of earthly goods. They certainly are showing that kind of “hos-
possessed no home to which to invite pitality.” But each of us can embrace the
you. They had no storehouse of food principles involved by having the love as
from which they could quickly provide our motivating force, showing a unidi-
an after-meeting snack. Your hospitality rectional manner of caring for others, and
would be a unidirectional act of love for having an open hand, an open heart and
the sake of the Name. an open home.

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