“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use
whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards
of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:9-10 (NIV)
Fiona was a newlywed when she moved into her first apartment with her husband, Luke. The one-bedroom home was tiny, but she organized it carefully to maximize the space they shared.
A few weeks later when Fiona was reading through 1 Peter, she saw a verse about showing hospitality. “Okay, God,” she whispered, “send Luke and me someone that we can host in our home.”
When Luke came home from work, he mentioned that his co-worker had lost her husband recently and seemed lonely since returning to the company. Fiona felt like it was meant to be and encouraged Luke to ask the woman over for dinner.
She was nervous about opening up their tiny home, but when Luke’s co-worker showed up, she instantly felt at ease. The older woman had a kind spirit and a quirky sense of humor. During dinner, she shared that Friday was the hardest day of the week for her.
“My late husband frequently traveled for his job, but he always made it home on Friday nights. I could always count on that. When the end of the week comes around, I feel a bit lonelier than usual.”
After their dinner, Fiona made a resolution to ask Luke’s co-worker to dinner every Friday night. “I want her to know that people care,” she explained to Luke.
God, help me remember my home doesn’t have to be magazine-worthy for me to invite someone over. Bring someone into my life that I could show hospitality to this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
