"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied graces." - 1 Peter 4:8-10
Sup guys,
For some reason, I've been hearing a lot of messages and random bits of encouragements regarding hospitality and generosity recently. This seems providentially appropriate given the season, and serves well to prepare me for the upcoming months as family gatherings has always been a taxing and stressful time for the Lin household.
I was reminded that the key to being hospitable and generous without grumbling is to remember that the apartment I live in is not mine, that the turkey I bought is not mine, that the charm and jokes I employ to amuse my guests are not mine. Everything I am and everything I "own" belongs to God's and He has called me to be a good steward of the gifts He's given me.
I was reminded that I am to love people, especially people that are difficult to love, because I was first loved by God - and that by loving them, I demonstrate that He has loved me first.
Above all else, I am reminded that my hospitality and generosity towards family and friends aren't there to make me appear hospitable or generous, and so garner such a reputation for myself. Rather, it is to prompt the recipients of my generosity to offer thanks to God and thus glorify Him with my generosity. If my acts of generosity does not result in greater love/community and a greater appreciation for God and His works, then my efforts are in vain - no matter how socially rewarding it is.
May we all demonstrate the love that God has planted in us through Christ-exalting hospitality in this upcoming holiday season and take up generosity as a habit once the season's through.
Have a happy wednesday and, in case I dont write next week, happy thanxgiving!
Edward
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." - 1 John 4:7-8
"You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:11-12
In light of some recent, exciting announcements, I thought this clip was appropriate =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd3oYFS9g9I
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