The Gospel and Hospitality
Our God is supremely, perfectly hospitable, and the very first page of your Bible will prove it. Scripture’s initial glimpses of God reveal him to be deeply concerned with the good of those who would soon come into his newly created space. He prepares good food. He brings together good company. He cultivates an environment that is intentionally conducive to the joy of those inside it. We rightly think of the creation account in terms of its grand, sweeping, cosmic majesty, but it’s even more than that. These are simple (in a sense) acts of kindness and generosity. God did not consider his space to merely be his own possession to be hoarded and to serve only his own needs. His world was instead a canvas on which he would bless others with gladness of heart.
But the union between host and guests did not endure, for we humans were eager to consider what he owned and generously shared to be ours by right. The sweet picture of communal love was fractured by sin, and with it our impulse to reflect our Maker’s hospitable spirit. Our race has a new default; one of greed, of jealousy, of self-interest.
But the kindness of the Lord is unfailing. Though we rejected him, his hospitality is relentless. You may not realize it, but every good thing you enjoy directly testifies to it. What’s your favorite thing to drink? Your favorite dessert? Your ideal weather conditions? Your favorite people to spend time with? If you didn’t actually answer those questions, please go back and do so. This has to sink in as real and personal. The Lord is kind, and continues to give good gifts in spite of our rebellion. It doesn't even stop there. He sets us free to once more enjoy not only receiving his hospitality, but demonstrating it ourselves. I’m not talking about begrudgingly hosting people you’d rather not have in your home. I’m talking about looking to the one who fed thousands, the one who always pursued the flourishing of those who dwelt on the earth he created, the one who gave not just much, but all of himself. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God is making a new people who, being smitten by his grace, might once again demonstrate his generous and hospitable heart.
God repeatedly beckons us into this joy. We’re called to show it to strangers (Hebrews 13:2), to one another (1 Peter 4:9), and it’s even listed as basic criteria for church leaders (1 Timothy 3:2). It’s clear that this is near to the heart of God. The question is whether or not it is near to your’s. I could certainly press you to implement this in your own home (and I hope you will), but I’ll spend the time here instead: how are you pursuing hospitality as part of this church body? There are limitless ways for you to pursue this, but consider a few of the following:
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What do you do when you see someone you don’t know at Grace? Do you fear the dreaded “I’ve been coming here for years” response? Take heart. Have grace for one another. A simple introduction could make the difference between an isolating environment and a welcoming atmosphere.
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Consider sitting in different spots in the auditorium from time to time. This is a great way to build real relationships with people you don’t know.
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Our homes, like God’s creation, are a means by which we can love others. How can your home be a blessing to someone you might not normally interact with? Your dinner table might be the setting for a much needed connection.
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The Connections Ministry exists for the purpose of demonstrating the love of Christ through hospitality. Have you considered getting involved? Visit our website to get started.
Church growth experts say that a first-time guest’s decision to return to a new church is made within 10 minutes of their arrival. That means that much of this choice is determined by small interactions (or a lack thereof) with people like you far more than the content of the service. Grace will likely see hundreds of guests over the next few weeks alone. Introduce yourself. Make the first move. This is a call to all of us to adopt the mind of Christ, reflecting the hospitality that he has first shown us.
In Christ,
Dalton Deffenbaugh
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