Examining Scripture:
“Be not overcome of evil,
but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
Evaluating Soil:
Having the spirit of hospitality is a good thing. It’s valuable. It’s a mindset that comes from a lifestyle dedicated to holiness. It doesn’t hurt anyone and welcomes others into our spaces to share good things with them.
When we open our hearts and homes to others, we open our doors to sharing God’s goodness with a world overcome with evil. We can offer helping hands to those who may be struggling with spiritual, physical, and relational needs, and who are burdened with hopeless negativity or the heartbreak of neglect.
Christmas seems like the perfect time for us to overcome evil with good. The holiday season is a wonderful time to gather, wherever we can get together, and share love, joy, and peace. As we celebrate Christ’s gift we can show the world the kind of hospitality we’d all like to enjoy.
Experiencing Seasons:
Time has taught me that it doesn’t take much to make someone’s day, ease a burden, or lift someone’s spirits. Hospitable thoughtfulness seems to count for more than thoughtless gifts. My empty or evil behaviors and attitudes reveal my true feelings and motives.
Through the years, I’ve found it interesting that oftentimes the people who have the “Grinchiest” perspective about Christmas festivities, decorations, and gift-giving are actually the very people that are the most thankful for being invited to a party or are truly touched to receive a simple, thoughtful gift.
Most people want to be loved and receive good from others. Sometimes, when we’re overcome with evil, we start to give up on expecting anything good or trying to share it.
Embracing Solace:
For many people, the holiday season often emphasizes and exasperates grief, the lack of love or provisions, and loneliness. Sharing kindness with them at this time could help comfort their broken hearts.
Enjoying Simplicity:
Simple expressions of love and joy can spread a lot of cheer to a saddened and struggling soul. It’s a gracious way to re-gift the good that God has generously shared with us.
Employing Solutions:
As we celebrate the holidays and wrap up the many events and activities of the season, let’s remember to invite and include those who may be alone, hurting, neglected, struggling, or are in need.
Here are some good things we could share this Christmas:
- A visit
- A prayer
- A passage of Scripture
- A kind or funny text or email
- An encouraging card
- An unhurried phone call
- An unexpected hug
- A simple smile
- A warm towel from the dryer
- A pair of warm, cozy socks
- A hot meal at home or dinner out
- A hot cup of coffee or tea at a local coffee shop
- A homemade gift or basket of goodies
- A gift card to a favorite store or shop
- A delivery of groceries
- An invitation to a party
- Helping with setup or cleanup
- Your own creative ideas (Wink)
Good doesn’t have to cost a lot of time or money. It just has to be shared with a sincere heart.
There will always be enough evil in this world to go around. If we are to overcome it with good, we will have to invest effort in it. Let’s pour a nice, hot cup of tea and sit down with someone this Christmas and share the spirit of hospitality with the world.
Bring It Home
Is there someone who could use something good in their life who you could share with?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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