Hospitality and Friendsgiving

 I Peter 4:9- "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."  

Thoughts:  I am  okay with showing hospitality, but Lord, do you really have to add, "without grumbling"?  I guess it makes sense that my attitude toward being kind should also be "kind." 
      Part of being a Christian is to imitate the God who is so hospitable toward us.  He made this earth in a way that we can live in it- He made a home for us- with water, air, land, and many blessings.  But He also came down to make sure we are okay, to show us He loves us, and to make a way to a more permanent home.  That is another show of hospitality.  Jesus said that He "goes to prepare a place for us that where He is we may also be."  That is another show of hospitality.  
      We know that we should forgive others because we are forgiven.  But we should remember we are to show hospitality because we are shown hospitality.  So many parables and commandments surround this- but one great one is the Good Samaritan that stops what he is doing (when other busy people won't) to help someone in need.   He was a stranger who made a friend.  
     This fall, is a great time to meet some new neighbors.  Maybe have them over for lunch or supper (we do have that china for something).  During covid no one could be hospitable without scaring another.  But today we should be able to do something- even if it is an outside cookout on a pretty day.  The idea of Friendsgiving came about for people who are scattered from family, as a combination "friends" and "thanks" meal.  Maybe you haven't met the neighbors two houses or apartments over.  It is a great time to pick a date (maybe toward the first part of November) and invite them over.  You don't have to have a turkey- you might have BBQ or even just hors d'oeuvres.  Being hospitable means to not just focus on yourself or even your family- but on those around you.  The Bible says by entertaining strangers some have even entertained angels (Heb. 13:2).  Let this be part of your mission for God.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to see others as you see them.  Give me a heart to get outside of myself, even to risk to reach out to my neighbors this fall for your glory.