Examining Scripture:
“Having then gifts differing
according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering:
or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:
he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
he that ruleth, with diligence,
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Romans 12:6-8
Evaluating Soil:
Spring is a lovely season full of wonderful opportunities for hospitality. The weather is becoming nice enough to wander outside and linger and it’s the perfect season to gather with family, friends and guests in the great outdoors.
to come back with more materials for their new nest.
Since they return each year, I purposely gave them a fake plant to build in
so I don’t have to disturb their little family with watering and they don’t cost me another plant.
These nature-enjoying occasions inspire beautiful opportunities to be hospitable and share our faith with the gifts that God has graciously given us. As we prepare our hearts to apply these gifts of service, we’ll begin to see countless ways to get creative with our spiritual outreach and hospitality.
Experiencing Seasons:
It has taken me years of purposeful practice to become comfortable reaching out to others. I’m still learning that when I stay alert, pay close attention, listen for needs, ask caring questions, and make conscious efforts, I can clearly see endless opportunities and ways to minister through them.
Even though my home isn’t ready for hosting gatherings quite yet, I’m finding simple ways to meet people where they are and do what I can, when and how I can. Through the years, I’ve enjoyed trying different ways to encourage others or share God’s Word through:
- Casual Conversations
- Listening
- Calling
- Visiting
- Texting
- Sending Cards
- Sharing Kindness
- Showing Gratitude
- Meal Invitations
- Giving Useful Gifts
- Contributing to Meet Needs
- Helping with Projects
- Mentoring
- Planning Day-Out Ventures
- Posting Supportive Comments on Social Media
- Praying for Specific Requests
My attempts, at hospitality, are a work in progress. But, you know, there have been very few times where I’ve felt that my efforts were in vain or that I’ve experienced rejection for good deeds. In fact, the gracious responses have made me want to grow and be even more creatively conscientious and caring.
Embracing Solace:
Sometimes the best way to bring solace to our hearts and homes is by showing hospitality to others. I remember when I would cry or complain to my Mom about my problems. She would usually say something like this:
“Put your heart into helping others
meet their needs or overcome their problems
and you won’t be so consumed with yours.”
She was right. That works. When we get overwhelmed with our troubles and stop to give thought to others needs, we soon forget how bad our lives appear.
Enjoying Simplicity:
Showing hospitality to others is much simpler than we make it. We have the resources. We just need to use them.
Employing Solutions:
As we continue to study the gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8, let’s consider how we can implement them into our hospitality. Look at the list again.
(To review the definitions and ways to incorporate these gifts, check out the previous two posts.)
- Prophesy
- Ministering
- Teaching
- Exhortation
- Giveth
- Ruleth
- Sheweth Mercy
Remember, we’re all members of one body with differing gifts and it’s never too late to learn and grow in how we apply them.
Sometimes our guests actually need and want to hear what we believe and how God’s plans include them. This is one of the greatest reasons for applying God’s gifts to our hospitality.
Bring It Home
What is one creative way you like to minister to others?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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