By Victoria E. Essien, NLBI Trainer in Nigeria
Challenges of financial hardship, insecurity and uncertainty have caused many to shrink in faith and think that the virtue of kindness as taught by Jesus is difficult to put into practice. In Luke 10:38, we learn that Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. Let us consider how we as Christian women can share with one another, despite the challenges we face.
Whom does Jesus want us to serve?
God has instructed us through several Bible passages to show kindness to others.
“Open your homes to each other, without complaining. Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace” (I Peter 4:9-10 New Century Version). This message was written to Christians, so certainly we are to be hospitable to other Christians.
Isn’t it interesting that he says to do this without complaining? Undoubtedly there are times when hosting or helping other Christians is inconvenient. It’s certainly more challenging to help others if we don’t have a servant attitude!
In Romans 15:7, we are told to “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” (New International Version). Paul is saying that we should receive people the way they are, not looking down on them because of their status. Christ accepted us even though we are sinners. We can show the love of Christ to others, even if they are different from us.
Why should we show hospitality?
Not minding our poor and dirty state, God first showed us love, receiving us with open arms. Even the unloved are loved by God. The story of the prodigal son, recorded in Luke 15:11-31, demonstrates how the Father was compassionate to His son who had been disobedient to God.
We are to show hospitality because we are stewards of God’s gifts. Everything we have comes from God, who has generously given these things to us; therefore, we are to use them wisely by sharing with others (I Timothy 6:17-19, I Chronicles 29:12-14, I Corinthians 4:7).
Consider also that each of us will be in need some day. As humans, our lives are filled with needs and challenges. Since we are living in a world of interdependence (and considering “no man is an Island”), we are bound to need assistance or the support of others at some point in our lives.
In Matthew 5:7, Jesus says the merciful will receive mercy. We should not expect help from others if we have failed to show mercy to another person when the opportunity presents itself. The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Matthew 16:19-31 clearly demonstrates this point.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus taught us to store up treasure in heaven. He reminds us that everything we consider to be a treasure on earth can be consumed by moth and rust or stolen by thieves. What does Jesus mean by this statement? He is teaching us that we are to use our money and other earthly possessions for the sake of Christ. Doing so honors Christ. It also implies that we should continue in our good works.
His lesson about the judgment day as presented in Matthew 25:31-46 clearly teaches that whatever we do to assist anybody, or fail to do, we are doing to Him. This presentation by Jesus Christ is a clear indication that our acts of service to others while here on earth are recorded and will be used in our favor — or against us — on the judgment day.
Biblical examples of people who opened their doors for others and were blessed
Abraham and Sarah opened their home to some visitors as recorded in Genesis 18: 1-15. They provided the visitors with water to wash themselves and food to eat. This act of kindness by Abraham and Sarah brought a special blessing to them, the birth of the promised son Isaac, although both of them were advanced in age. Not only were they blessed with a child, but Abraham also saved the life of his nephew Lot from destruction in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, even though Lot’s wife was disobedient to her own peril.
In I Kings 17:7-16, we learn about the widow of Zarephath. This is another interesting and strong story that teaches the blessing of opening our homes to others, especially those who seek our help. She shared the little she had with the man of God. God’s promises were fulfilled in her life — she never lacked food for her family and even her dead son was raised back to life. What an overflow of divine blessings!!
Rehab the harlot hid the two spies sent out by Joshua to spy the land of Jericho, which God had given to the Israelites, as recorded in Joshua 2. Because she took in the spies and refused to release them to be killed by the people of Jericho, not only was her life spared, but God also spared the lives of others in her household when the Israelites overtook Jericho (Joshua 6:7).
From all the passages mentioned above, we learn that every act of kindness will be rewarded with blessings.
Conclusion
As Christians, we have been admonished to show kindness and love to people even when it hurts. We have been called to exhibit Christ-like characteristics each day (Colossians 3:12-14). When we do this, we store treasures for ourselves in heaven.
Women of Worth Worldwide 