Notes from the Corner - Hospitality Series No. 9 - Go and Do Likewise

Hospitality is the work that God has for Warman Mennonite Church to do in this city. God’s Spirit has gifted many of us with a joy in making others feel welcome, a joy in adding one more place setting to the table or putting a few more burgers on the grill. We enjoy this gift when friends drop-in or family comes for dinner.

But the Spirit never gives gifts just for our enjoyment, they are also always for God’s joy, his pleasure in seeing God’s kingdom enacted on earth as it is heaven. Hospitality in the kingdom means widening the circle of whom we invite in or entertain. God welcomes us to his dinner table when we are strangers and enemies. Hospitality in the kingdom means sacrifice. God stretched far more than just his budget or comfort to invite us in; he stretched out his arms on a cross.

So go and do likewise: Invite someone who would be alone to join your family for Christmas dinner. Join a community group that will connect you with people outside your social circle. Pray for God to open your eyes to the needs of new neighbors in our growing community.