The people of Poland have been stunning the world this month with how they are welcoming strangers, refugees from Ukraine, into their homes, schools, and communities. One Pole partially attributed this culture of hospitality to their centuries-old saying that goes: “Gość w dom, Bóg w dom,” or “Guest in House, God in House.”
When someone has a guest in their home, they should expect to experience God’s presence more keenly and abundantly. We should welcome the stranger with the understanding that, not only will blessings follow for both the giver and the receiver, but also our faith walk will become more alive. Our children, neighbors, and relatives will observe and take note about what it means to truly be a Christian.
Let us follow the Polish people in their example. Let us eagerly greet the “inconvenient” stranger in our lives, knowing full well that God is about to surprise us with blessings and a closer walk with Him. As we give generously, take risks, and cancel our carefully-laid plans, we know that the Lord will refresh us and meet us in every interaction.
One of our volunteers, Julie, recently sent us her thoughts on preparing to serve others:
“I’m reading this great book called Get out of Your Head by Jennie Allen. This stuck out today to me…Luke 12:35-37:
”Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.”
Jennie explains that this scripture is about being ready. The chapter is about serving others. When we are faithful to watch for opportunities to serve and live at the ready for God’s call we end up being served in the end. And God will attend to our every need.
I imagine that when we sign up to be a Host Family or a Family Friend it all sounds so great and altruistic in theory. But the reality is probably it is never going to be convenient. We as believers have to fight against that (talking to myself here) but rather trust that if He called us to serve, then He will provide.
I wonder how many of us are in prayer on a regular basis to prepare us for what is coming rather than praying about something only when we are asked? It could be a game changer for all of us.”
Matthew 25:37-45
”‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’
And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’”
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
