The Believer’s Responsibility

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

All good motives for Christian service should be rooted in love. As believers, we have a God-given responsibility in the area of hospitality. Twice the Bible refers to being “given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2). The First Timothy passage specifically speaks of the qualifications of a bishop. However, God never intended for hospitality to be limited to church leadership. In fact, the passage in Romans identifies hospitality as a responsibility for all believers. To be “given to hospitality” means to be led by or under the control of hospitality. In other words, everything we do involving others should be motivated by the desire to be hospitable. Titus 1:8 takes hospitality a step further by declaring that a bishop must be “a lover of hospitality.” Christians should purpose to find joy spending time with others, sincerely desiring to strengthen and encourage them in some area of need.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): Elisha passed through Shunem often and was urged by a godly woman to eat with her and her husband as he passed through. She also saw the need for Elisha to have a place to stay so they made him a room of his own in their home (2 Kings 4:8-10).

(For everyone): What does it mean to be “given to hospitality”? How can understanding hospitality effect your daily walk with the Lord and your dealings with other people?

(For everyone): Why is it important for a pastor or a bishop to be “given to” and “a lover of hospitality”? How would it also be helpful for other believers within a congregation to exhibit a hospitable spirit?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to show you the importance of hospitality.

Ask God to help you to become more hospitable.

SONG

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

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