“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 (NIV)

Have you ever heard someone defend the Truth of the gospel through eloquent, clever words and sound, reasonable arguments? Maybe in that moment, you thought, Oh, if only I were like them! If only I were gifted in apologetics or trained in theology — then I could better represent Christ.

But another powerful defense of the trustworthiness of the gospel is our willingness to practice hospitality as Christ did — our commitment to hear others fully.

We are often quick to speak and slow to listen. Yet to practice hospitality in the way that Jesus and the early Church did, we must resolve to truly hear others. When people are heard, people are healed.

Yes, there’s a time and a place for sermons in churches and lectures in classrooms, for books to be read and information to be discussed. Yet the deep things of God and humanity require that we come to the table seeking both to know and to be known.

Jesus’ way of hospitality has far more to do with the heart of the host than the presentation of a charcuterie board or proper plating and table settings. Christian hospitality means caring not only about the gospel Truth but also the tone with which it is shared.

This can be traced back to what Jesus said at the Last Supper in our key verse: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). The love of God, expressed through the hospitable hearts and homes of Christians, has always been the strength of the Church. We live out what it means to be wholly human by practicing faithful presence with others through Christian hospitality.

Ultimately, we will feel an emotional and relational cost of loving others. Practicing the way of Jesus and extending true hospitality to a weary world means that we’re willing to roll up our sleeves and become present to the people, stories and needs around us. Love is costly — as costly as it gets. It takes time to really get to know someone. More than that, the emotional cost of presence is high because when someone knows they truly belong, they can open up and share their real stories, pains, griefs and losses.

Yes, this hospitality will cost us more than groceries; it will cost some tears as well. Such is the nature of the healing Kingdom of God.

Is it worth the cost? Always — it’s the gospel lived out. May we be reminded of 1 John 4:19, letting it drive us to godly hospitality: “We love because he first loved us” (NIV).

Lord, help me to have a heart of hospitality for those You have placed in my path and to embrace the high cost of loving others as You love me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Pastor and cooking enthusiast Alex Early invites you to experience God anew as you cook memorable meals for friends, family and fellow seekers. The unique cookbook Among the Pots and Pans contains over 50 recipes from Alex along with rich spiritual insights on how food can help you extend Christ’s love to others and live in greater gratitude and wholeness.

Part cookbook, part theology, Among the Pots and Pans celebrates the connection between food and faith in the Bible and explores how cooking can be used not only to nourish our bodies but also to feed our souls and build community.

ENGAGE

To learn more, connect with Alex on Instagram or through his website.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Among the Pots and Pans by Alex Early. To celebrate this book, Alex’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, August 26, 2024.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Isaiah 58:7, “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (NIV).

Titus 1:8, “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined” (NIV).

What would it look like to budget for the practice of hospitality — not only practically but also relationally?

What can you do to prepare yourself to love someone in a costly way?

© 2024 by Alex Early. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Harvest House Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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