Hospitality

This is just a brief post on the huge topic of hospitality. So what does it mean? The dictionary definition of the word is- the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. Wow. So... if I wave at a stranger, is that hospitality?
Well, have you noticed how living rooms and kitchens pop up all across the bible? There you go! Inviting people into your home, making them welcome, talking face to face with them, getting to know them, you are welcoming God himself into your home and inviting him to change that persons life. When you ask someone or tell someone, "Come over for dinner." You're really saying, "You matter to me and to God." and your guest hears, "I am worth the effort." Amazing, right?
You know what else? It's not an accident that the word 'hospitality' and the word 'hospital' come from the same Latin word for, they both result in the same thing: healing.
Take a piece of paper or a notepad and jot down the numbers 1-4. Like this:
1._______________
2._______________
3._______________
4._______________
Beside the numbers write down a few ways that you could show hospitality to people and to whom.

The Greek word for hospitality consists of two terms which translate as love and stranger. Literally, the word means to love a stranger.

1 Peter 4:9-10
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Such a little thing can change a life.