Transformation Journal. Carolyn Slaughter

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       sunday

       What Does Hospitality Look Like To God?

      You might generally think of "hospitality" as an industry (hotels and restaurants) or as entertaining (throwing a great party). In the Bible the word hospitality means showing love to strangers. When you extend hospitality, you generously receive people not only into your home and circle of friends but into your life.

       Matthew 25:31-46 and 1 Peter 4:7-11

      • For what seven actions in Matthew 25:35-36 will Jesus hold his followers accountable?

      • Of these seven actions toward others, which do you need to start practicing more?

       monday

       How Far Do I Have To Go In Being Hospitable?

      Hospitality is about extending God's grace and inviting people to experience the love of Jesus. Being willing to humble yourself and sacrificially be involved with all people is a critical part of hospitality. Even when people excuse themselves as too busy or too involved, keep on asking and welcoming until God's house is filled.

       Luke 14:1-24

      • What do you learn about the difference between society's values and Jesus' values from today's verses?

      • In what ways have you been subtly influenced by society's values rather than Jesus' values?

       tuesday

       I Understand How My Hospitality Can Benefit Others, But What's In It For Me?

      "In reception of the poor and of pilgrims the greatest care and solicitude should be shown, because it is especially in them that Christ is received" (Saint Benedict, A.D. 480–543). The greatest benefit of all is experiencing Jesus through those whom you welcome into your life.

       Luke 24:13-36 and Hebrews 13:1-3

      • In the story in Luke 24, why did the two men not recognize Jesus? What opened their eyes to him?

      • In what current situation or relationship do you most need your eyes opened to see Jesus?

       wednesday

       How Can I Help Create A Climate Of Hospitality Within The Body Of Christ ( The Church)?

      The key to hospitality is love—not as an emotion but as assertive, practical actions that reach out to care for others. Your willingness to apply the New Testament's teachings on demonstrating this kind of practical love will determine the climate of your family, your local church, and your community.

       Romans 12:9-21, Acts 2:42-47, and 3 John 1:1-14

      • What makes you think the individuals within the Acts 2 believers' community were practicing what Paul taught in Romans 12:9-21?

      • Based on Romans 12, what loving action could you take this week toward someone who is difficult to love?

       thursday

       What Are The Long- Term Effects Of Practicing Hospitality For A Christian?

      As the people in Philippi responded to the gospel message through Paul, they opened their hearts and homes to him and his traveling companions. Entire households were changed. When the gospel enters a home through just one believer, a chain reaction begins that influences not only a family but also future generations.

       Acts 16:11-40

      • Paul and Silas were falsely accused, severely beaten, and thrown into a dark, damp cell with other prisoners. Why did they trust the jailer to take them to his home? What was the result?

      • When have you stepped out in faith and trusted another person's offer of hospitality? What happened?

       friday

       What Are Some Examples Of Hospitality In Action?

      Paul was one of the most well-traveled apostles, completing three missionary journeys around the Mediterranean area. Roman inns of the time were known as dangerous, dirty, and flea infested, so traveling teachers, including Paul, depended on the local communities of believers for hospitality instead.

       Acts 21:1-16 and 28:1-10

      • In how many homes did Paul stay, as described by these verses? What acts of "unusual kindness" were done for Paul?

      • Is it difficult for you to accept or receive help from others? Why or why not?

       saturday

       What Can Give Me The Capacity To Truly Demonstrate Radical Hospitality?

      Hospitality is bigger than opening your home; it has to do with opening your heart. The love you received from Jesus flows out from you, and this enables you to welcome others as Jesus does. You may not like what you see or hear; your comfort zone may be pushed to the max. But the directive is clear—we all are to welcome the stranger.

       James 2:14-26 and 1 John 3:16-24

      • According to today's Scriptures, how does faith go beyond lip service to action?

      • John's definition of love is found in 1 John 3:16-18. Rewrite it in your own words. How does it differ from the world's "definition" of love?