Joy and Conviction by Abbey Bolton

James 1:27, Luke 9:23-24​

I don't know about you, but when the word hospitality comes to mind my first thought goes to casseroles and house guests. Growing up this was a pure example of "Southern Hospitality"; however when we think about the word in a biblical context I think we have something so much more special on display.



There's a list of spiritual gifts found in the bible and hospitality is one of those wonderful gifts the Father blesses certain Christians with. Even though this word has been used for centuries, don't believe it to be out of date. My definition of hospitality is the joy and conviction of meeting the needs of others. Now that may sound general so let's break it down. 



Joy and conviction, can that even be in the same thought? Conviction comes when your feel called to act on behalf of your faith, and joy is a pure happiness that we find in God when our faith is in action. This combination is what makes it so beautiful, there is an act of selflessness that brings the servant more happiness than they would have had doing nothing. Loving and taking care of people like Christ did the church.



Meeting the needs of others; this is where personality comes into play. I know I don't see many 21 year olds hosting people at their homes, but I think that's one interesting part of our generation. Even though we don't have the same opportunity to meet physical needs at those older than us with more resources can, we can meet people where they are at and take care of their personal needs. Don't underestimate the power of coffee shop conversations and late night FaceTime calls. Giving yourself to the bettering of another person all for the Kingdom of God. How can you not want to be a part of that?



“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James 1:27 NIV



“Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it.”
Luke 9:23-24 HCSB