Christianity is born out of hospitality, which means ‘friendliness to guests’. And everyone living on God’s earth is a guest. As Christ’s disciples, we are invited by Jesus to offer the gift of friendliness.
Not all of us feel comfortable in a social setting. It’s one reason God creates His family, often expressed through church congregations. Yet, the Church’s primary purpose is to reflect the present reality of Jesus.
Too often it becomes introverted and consumed with its own existence. The Church does not exist to facilitate Church.
We know that the church is not its furnishings but its people. Piles of stones cemented into a symbol of religion mark the landscape, yet can only ever offer physical shelter from the rain.
As God’s living stones, we enjoy the challenge and opportunity to welcome, feed, encourage and be friends with anyone looking for some company. Loneliness is on the rise.
We can also extend an invitation to people to come and hang out with us, not for our formal meetings, but to enjoy coffee, cake and conversation. The mission is so much fun!
Hospitality lies at the heart of Mission and Ministry. Make it yours too this year!
This article was earlier published as an EDWJ Devotional. The content has been edited by BT staff to repurpose it as a post under Topic.
