Everyday Heroes: Welcoming Hosts

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Matthew 13:2 (ESV)

Everyday heroes are welcoming hosts. A host is 'a person who receives or entertains guests at home or elsewhere.' 

A welcoming host doesn’t just meet friends, but also 'strangers in a warm, friendly and generous way' (Random House Dictionary).

Like who?

  • The lonely senior who lives close to you,

  • The new or unpopular kid at school,

  • The nerdy guy at work, who sits alone,

  • An immigrant, trying hard to fit in.

  • Those who’ve faced scorn and discrimination.

  • Those who are poor, maimed, lame, or different.

We’re called to welcome everyone in need.

Why?

Those hated by the world are loved by God, and because our kindnesses WILL save lives, spiritually and literally. Consider this tragic scenario… that sadly happens far too frequently.

  • Rejected people can become loners.

  • They can become prey for bullies and thugs.

  • They can turn to hate and take guns to schools,

  • They can hate themselves and take their own lives.

  • NOTE: (Even without these awful conclusions, being a friend to those in need MATTERS!)

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Let’s remember our King’s Words and actions… regarding our outgoing kindnesses:

'Then the King will say to those on His Right Hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me' ' (Matthew 25:34-36).

Because 'Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me' (v.40).

Everyday Heroes: Welcoming Hosts (Part 13)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban