Hospitality

These are character habits that are to be found in those who are Christians. Jesus gave his all for us and we can show his love to others.

Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

You mean giving money or material needs to others in the faith? Yes, if in need. In America with easy welfare, this has not been as much a need, often the needs are met by the government, but if that stops we should be there. The church should be aware of needs, for some will not ask.

James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

given to hospitality.

This literally means, to pursue people with hospitality. My mother was an example of this. The coffee pot would go on as soon as a person came to the house. Cookies or cake or pie would be brought out. They would converse, and then if late her "Southern" hospitality would ask the guest if they wanted to stay all night.

Our church is open once a month for a seniors fellowship where hospitality is provided by the church and also the members who bring food to share with all. Combine this with brotherly love and God's love and anyone would feel welcome, even if they don't have an AARP card....

Let's take this to a spiritual level. Is Jesus welcome in your house, in your mind and heart? If we are to continue in faith he must be found in us. We need to entertain his presence and depend on him. If Jesus is preeminent in our mind and heart then we will be Holy Spirit led. We will know of needs around us even witnessing to that woman at the well in John 4. This hospitality goes beyond a cup of coffee, friendly hospitality can lead to sharing the gospel and a new life to be born into the family of God.