Company’s Coming

Bible Reading: HEBREWS 13:2; 1 PETER 4:7-10

“Oh no!” cried Jena when she heard they would be having house guests. “Do the Wilsons have to stay here? All we ever do is have people stay with us. Missionaries, international students—even complete strangers, like those people who got stranded in the snowstorm last winter!”

“I thought you enjoyed having company,” said Mom.

“Well, sure, every once in a while. But most families don’t have people over as much as we do.”

“That’s part of our ministry,” said Dad, who had come into the room.

“Your ministry?” Jena asked. “I don’t get it. You’re not a pastor or a missionary, so how can you have a ministry?”

“You don’t have to be a pastor or missionary to have a ministry—in fact, all Christians are called to minister to others,” Dad explained. “Your mother and I felt the Lord calling us to open our home to returning missionaries and other people whenever we could. We consider that our ministry, and you play a part in it too.”

“Having company is a ministry?” asked Jena. That was a new thought to her. “I thought it just meant doing more dishes or giving up my bedroom to guests. Does the Bible say you’re supposed to have company?”

“Not in those exact words,” Mom said, “but it does say we should show hospitality.”

“What’s hospitality?” Jena asked.

“It’s welcoming guests and treating them in a warm, friendly way,” Mom replied. “That involves being willing to share our house and meals with others.”

Dad nodded. “Hospitality is one way we show people God’s love. Jesus welcomes each of us into His family and gives us a home with Him. That’s why it’s important for us as Christians to be welcoming toward others. In fact, the book of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of hospitality by reminding us that some people who welcomed strangers into their homes in the Bible entertained angels without realizing it!”

“Angels, huh?” Jena grinned. “Well, I don’t think the Wilsons are angels, but I’ll get my room ready for them anyway. What time are they coming?” RUTH I. JAY

How About You?

Do you enjoy having company? When you help prepare meals, wash extra dishes, or give up your room in order to welcome guests into your home, you are showing them the love of Jesus. He warmly welcomes us into His family and shares all He has with us. Show others what a kind and hospitable host He is by treating guests in your home the same way.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 PETER 4:9 BE HOSPITABLE TO ONE ANOTHER WITHOUT GRUMBLING. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Entertain cheerfully