“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – John 12:9-13
My daughter and I were running a few errands together. We had a great afternoon. One of our stops was to pick up my suit from the cleaners. My dry cleaners are located just up the street from my house. It is in a very convenient place, right on my way to work. They always do a great job on my clothes. They are excellent at removing the many stains I seem to collect throughout the week.
I don’t just go to these cleaners because of the convenient location, or because they do a great job removing stains. I go to my cleaners because of how I am treated every time I walk in the door. I am always greeted with a warm smile and most often I am greeted by name. It is amazing to me that they know my name. After all, I know I am not their only customer. I have a feeling they work hard to treat every person who walks into their business the same.
It is such a great feeling when I am greeted with kindness and hospitality. I feel like I am welcomed, like I belong. It is wonderful customer service. This interaction reminds me of how we are to treat one another throughout the day. As a people of faith, we are called to be welcoming and gracious to everyone. We are to work to be hospitable to the people around us. Our world can be a difficult place where people are often made to feel like outsiders. When we share a warm smile, a kind greeting, we can help to bring joy and peace to our neighbors as they feel welcomed because of our actions.
Hospitality is something we should practice in all circumstances. At church, we should greet one another with open arms. At work, we should welcome our coworkers and customers with kindness. At home, we should receive our family and friends so that they know they are cared for and that they belong.
As God people, we are to, “practice hospitality.” God has shown us such love and kindness. God has welcomed us into a family of faith. Let us practice the same loving kindness and welcome everyone today.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
