Rules For Christian Living
November 28, 2019
Commentary
Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host and the home. The home must be spotless, the food must be well prepared, the host must appear to be relaxed and good natured. Hospitality by contrast focuses on the guest. Hospitality can happen in a messy home; it can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup. It concentrates on others’ needs; whether a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear or acceptance are the primary concern. It can even happen while the host and the guests are doing chores together. Don’t hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain.
Our Christianity should affect the following:
1. Our character (v. 9)
2. Our contacts (v. 10)
3. Our conduct (v. 11)
4. Our convictions (v. 12)
5. Our concern (v. 13)
When dealing with non-Christians, we are:
1. To discern him (v. 14) – By speaking well of him
2. To discover him (v. 15) – By building bridges
When dealing with Christians we are:
1. Not to be partial (v. 16a) – But considerate and compassionate
2. Not to be proud (v. 16b) – But lowly and meek
Application
What could I do this week to show loving concern toward someone who has mistreated me?
Romans 12:9– 16 (NET)
9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.