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Showing Hospitality - Constant Love (Part 2)

Part 1 of Showing Hospitality was shared yesterday if you want to read it first.  Otherwise, jump on in here.

1 Peter 4:8-9 - "Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.  Be hospitable to one another without complaining."

Love is not a feeling; it's a deep commitment for another's good that is shown through action.  The word translated "love" designates a decision of the will rather than an emotion.  Biblical love is often characterized by self-denying commitment.  Love covers a multitude of sins because of its readiness to forgive and its ability to breakdown walls of hostility and bring reconciliation.

Like love (our highest command) hospitality is not a suggestion.  The above verse reads, "Be hospitable to one another."  It didn't offer an option of when convenient, when you feel like, when you want to - we are commanded to show hospitality.  But hospitality is more than a few simple acts, it should be a lifestyle that we take on.

Hospitality is derived from a combination of the words "love" and "stranger."  When we were strangers, God took us is in.  When we were without a hoe, God brought us into His.  When we were "without hope and without God in the world," God adopted us as his children.  And we are commanded to put this constant love into practice through hospitality without grumbling or complaining.  Yes, it will cost you something to be hospitable, but if we love, we will give up our time, our privacy, or whatever is needed without griping about it.

Hospitality is a characteristic built into the spiritual DNA of those who have experienced God's divine hospitality.  During his earthly life, Jesus epitomized hospitality, while having no resources by the way.  Hospitality is not just actions, but living that grows out of "constant love for another."

What obstacles can prevent us from demonstrating hospitality?  For me, I often find myself too busy, not having time, being too selfish with my personal time and space, or even out of fear for not knowing who you're letting into your life.
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