Title

The Art of Hospitality

Scripture
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
(1 Peter 4:9)
Devotional
It is amazing how much the Bible talks about hospitality. It is required of all the saints and especially deacons and elders. Hospitality is a fading art. There was a time in America that everyone was given to it. Guests were welcomed to homes by a front porch. Today there is usually a garage in the front of the house and one has to find the entryway. Doors used to be opened and visitors would simply announce their presence. Today, iron gates and security devices greet visitors. Unfortunately security is needed today, but so is hospitality. Our homes ought to be joyfully ready to receive guests. Friends and family are to be welcomed without invitation. When guests arrive, turn off the television and turn on the hospitality. Always offer at least a seat and even a beverage. I realize that hospitality requires work and preparedness, but that is what it takes to be a good host.
Thought For The Night
“In an era when many of us feel that time is our scarcest resource, hospitality falters. ‘In a fast-food culture,’ a wise Benedictine monk observes, ‘you have to remind yourself that some things cannot be done quickly. Hospitality takes time.” Dorothy C. Bass, quoted in “Reflections,” Christianity Today (6-19-00).
Evening Text
1 Peter 4:9: Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
Looking for Answers
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Hospitality”: A warm sincere greeting and welcome, kindness to guests and strangers, the giving of rest and refreshments to those who are in your domain. 
 
Referencing: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality,” Romans 12:9-13.
 
Applying: Learn and practice the art of hospitality. It pays great dividends.