Romans 12:13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Around the holidays giving gifts to those in need is almost second nature. We see food banks, box giveaways, gift giveaways, and so much more. But as believers we should be doing these things all the time. The Bible tells us time and time again that we should be caring for the widows and the orphans, as well as helping those in need. Yet, we fail to do so most of the time. We are too busy caring about our own needs, our own wants, forgetting that there are people suffering and in need of a little help from those who have more to give.
I am a giver. I love to bless others and give them things. I often give away random things just because I don’t need them and know others who can be blessed by the extra stuff. But despite my giving nature, today’s verse still strikes me as something I know I don’t do far enough. I know my family is blessed and God provides for all of our needs. Yet, I still don’t share those blessings with others the way I should.
The verse is short and simple. Give. Share. Bless them with what they need. And practice hospitality. Hospitality is a core Christian ethic defined as the selfless, generous welcoming of others (strangers or outsiders), extending family privileges (something as simple as sharing a meal) to them out of love for Christ. When we do so, we are mirroring God’s nature, and serving others’ needs without expecting repayment from them for what we offer.
In college, I had a few families who regularly did this for those of us away from home at school. They knew we didn’t have family in the area, so they regularly invited us over for dinner with their family. And it was truly a blessing in my life, because I was lonely during those days. I come from a family that does everything together. We look for any excuse to be together and enjoy one another’s company. So college was a lonely time for me, being away from my family.
Who can you show hospitality to? Are there any college kids in your area that might need a little encouragement through a meal shared with your family? Or perhaps there is a single parent at your church who is struggling to provide for their kids. How can you bless them? Look around your. There are plenty of opportunities to give to others, whether during the holiday season or not. God will show you who you can bless.
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