“Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible. They’ve made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.” – 3 John 1:5-8 (The Message)

With only 15 verses & less than three hundred words, the letter of 3rd John is the shortest book of the Bible. And yet, it contains one of the most powerful lessons illustrating the importance of “hospitality” as an example for how we should treat others. John’s personal letter to his close friend Gaius offers a powerful reminder of the impact of hospitality. By welcoming others, we embody the heart of our faith and making it visible to others.

Hospitality goes beyond just providing shelter or food. As a spiritual gift, it embodies a spirit of generosity that enhances the way we serve others. Hospitality is a reflection of a heart aligned with God’s love, treating every gesture of kindness as if it were offered to God Himself.

This week, let’s challenge ourselves to demonstrate more hospitality. What small act(s) of kindness can you demonstrate? How can you extend hospitality in a way that honors God and spreads the Truth of Jesus? Who knows, through the smallest acts of kindness, the Holy Spirit could work through those actions to help someone see and meet the Truth (Jesus).

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