Heb 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
I think many of us are instructed from an early age to be kind and helpful to others, especially those who are new or struggling. Personally, I know the anxiety of being the new one, the one who feels awkwardly out of place. My heart goes out to those who feel that sting, and it is easy for me to be kind. I treat them the way I want to be treated in similar situations.
1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
But sometimes it is harder for me to show hospitality to those in my closest circle, those who know me best, who love even the difficult-to-love parts of me. Sometimes—way more often than I’m comfortable admitting,— when I am feeling particularly vulnerable or sad or anxious, those to whom I should be kindest and most hospitable see the very worst, most prickly and unlovable side of me. Jesus, help me.
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the perspective that I am a steward, a caretaker, of Your grace. Thank You for the insight that I still have work to do in the area of hospitality, especially with those I love best. Help me, always, to show Your grace to others through my hospitality to them. Help me to check my ego at the door and to seek opportunities to serve others in love. Draw us all closer to You. Amen.
2 Cor 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness….”
Have a blessed day.