shortlady
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- Aug 3, 2005
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Spare Beds
READ: Hebrews 13:1-6
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. —Hebrews 13:2
In 2004, Casey Fenton co-founded a nonprofit service that helps travelers find a “friendlier alternative” to unfriendly hotels. They find homeowners who are willing to offer their spare beds and couches to others.
The group boasts almost a quarter of a million friendships that have been formed from their service. “The more we network,” said Fenton, “the better chance we have of this world being a better place.”
That service sounds a lot like biblical hospitality. In the final pages of his letter to the Hebrews, the writer instructed believers to practice their faith in Jesus Christ through hospitality (13:2). That was defined by the early Christ-followers as acts of generosity toward strangers.
In the first century, hospitality often included housing a guest. This was hardest to do during a time of persecution. These believers would not know whether the person was a spy or a fellow believer being pursued. But by entertaining strangers, the writer said, they could indeed be inviting a blessing into their homes.
As God’s people, we are called to be hospitable to others as part of our gratitude for the salvation we have received from God. — Marvin Williams
Lord, grant me a loving heart,
A will to give and share,
A whispered prayer upon my lips
To show I really care. —Brandt
People with a heart for God have a heart for people.
READ: Hebrews 13:1-6
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. —Hebrews 13:2
In 2004, Casey Fenton co-founded a nonprofit service that helps travelers find a “friendlier alternative” to unfriendly hotels. They find homeowners who are willing to offer their spare beds and couches to others.
The group boasts almost a quarter of a million friendships that have been formed from their service. “The more we network,” said Fenton, “the better chance we have of this world being a better place.”
That service sounds a lot like biblical hospitality. In the final pages of his letter to the Hebrews, the writer instructed believers to practice their faith in Jesus Christ through hospitality (13:2). That was defined by the early Christ-followers as acts of generosity toward strangers.
In the first century, hospitality often included housing a guest. This was hardest to do during a time of persecution. These believers would not know whether the person was a spy or a fellow believer being pursued. But by entertaining strangers, the writer said, they could indeed be inviting a blessing into their homes.
As God’s people, we are called to be hospitable to others as part of our gratitude for the salvation we have received from God. — Marvin Williams
Lord, grant me a loving heart,
A will to give and share,
A whispered prayer upon my lips
To show I really care. —Brandt
People with a heart for God have a heart for people.
