Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, and serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:10-13 ESV
When we think of hospitality we don’t think of a hospital, we think of a hotel. The Latin word hospital means guest chambers or guest lodging, like an inn.
We usually check into a hotel for lodging or somewhere to lay our heads whether it is for a vacation or business. It serves as a home away from home and may offer amenities that our home does not offer like maid service, pool, hot tub, room service, and things of that nature.
We usually check into a hospital because we are suffering from some type of physical or mental condition that requires more care than what we can do for ourselves or receive at home. We need treatment in other words.
Many years ago, my former pastor preached a sermon on this issue, and he asked us to examine our church to see whether it was a hotel or a hospital. Is it a place for the wealthy to come and stay or is it a place of healing for those who are sick?
There are times when my attitude is not what it should be, and I find my former pastor’s sermon coming to mind. It’s easy to open our arms and our hearts to fellow hotel guests. It’s not so easy to comfort those who are sick. It’s not so easy to take care of others, especially if we are dealing with our own problems. And who isn’t, right?
Hebrews 10:24-26 tells us to consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
James 2:1 warns us against showing favoritism as we hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. He goes on in verse 9 to say that by showing favoritism, we commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. He says in v. 10 that whoever keeps the entire law but stumbles on one point is guilty of breaking it all.
Our church should be a place where anyone can come in and feel loved, even if they seem to be unlovable. I have to admit I sometimes struggle with this. I find myself lacking in patience and sometimes pride gets in my way.
I know there was a time when God should have deemed me unlovable. I was breaking His commands. I was unintentionally being His enemy.
Praise God, He didn’t reject me or push me away. He loved me. He saved me. As I drew near to Him, He drew near to me (James 4:8). Through the help of a loving pastor and church, I came to know God better. I came to know His love through the love of fellow Christians.
How would it be if I became prideful and thought I was better than any other dirty rotten sinner? I must not forget where I came from. I must remember we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Just as an addict will always be an addict even while they are in recovery, a sinner will always be a sinner even when they accept the redemption offered by God through Jesus Christ.
We live in a world where evil is becoming more and more prevalent. Paul tells us in Romans 12:21 not to be conquered by this evil but to conquer this evil with good.
Has your church become more like a luxury hotel or a country club? While this may provide a comfy place for you to attend your services, it’s not what our churches are meant to be. Our churches are meant to be hospitals. They’re meant to be a safe place for healing.
What about you as a church member? Are you showing favoritism? Are you becoming prideful? Remember when you were just an old, dirty, rotten sinner in need of a Savior? Remember you were saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Let your kindness and your compassion encourage others to be saved as well.
Have a great day!