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2 Kings 4:9-10
She said to her husband, "I
know that this man who often comes our way is a
holy man of God. Let's
make a small room on the roof and put in it a
bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him.
Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us."
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August 28
Gift of Hospitality
The gift of hospitality is
important but often overlooked within the
church. We've been there a year, five
years, twenty years, or even fifty. We
have our regular seats and know where everything
is. We feel welcome because we know
everybody or at least our little group.
When there are visitors that
come to our church, we need to make them feel
every bit as welcome as if they were long time
members. Even if their goal is to slip in
and out unnoticed the church needs to make the
effort. How they respond is up to them.
Hospitality is a gift that
can be developed and seems to be more prevalent
in elderly ladies than anywhere else. When
I visit the last thing I need usually is a slice
of cake or something to drink. But I try
hard to allow someone the chance to use their
gift.
Others may exercise
hospitality by making phone calls or sending
cards to visitors or those who haven't been in
church for a while. There are those who
complain about getting old and not being able to
do what they once did. Then there are
those who adapt their gifts and find new ways to
use them. Hospitality is a great way of
serving that doesn't require as much energy as
some other gifts and is still a valuable part of
the church. |
