Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:13

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My wife and I invited a work acquaintance over for dinner several years ago. She was newer to the area, didn’t live far from us, and God kept crossing our paths. Instead of ignoring the signs, we opened our home to a stranger. What happened that evening surprised us all.

I recall easily and generously sharing conversation over a simple meal. We had a great night with someone who seemed more like family than unfamiliar. She found our sons’ dinnertime antics, and our parental embarrassment, endearing. We appreciated her reading our youngest a story on the couch before bed. The three of us continued exchanging life stories, laughed a lot, and sprouted true friendship. It was a weeknight, but somehow we ignored the clock. Then suddenly it seemed late, so we launched into a series of Midwest goodbyes.

But then, clearly feeling safe enough to be vulnerable, she revealed something tragic that happened to her the night before. We were stunned, yet we felt honored. She was stunned as well, but somehow felt honored in that unguarded moment, too. Even though we knew morning would arrive sooner than we’d prefer, my wife and I looked at each other and one of us said, “I’ll put the kettle on.”

When someone is in need, Jesus calls us to share what we have. When a stranger comes our way, He invites us to welcome them “as is.” Offering tea or coffee is best served with our undivided time, attention, presence, and care. That’s the heart of Romans 12:13. We had no idea what to expect that night, but God did. Our newfound friend didn’t look like it, but she was drowning in loneliness. And then she was led to our doorstep, into our home and our hearts, and extended the gift of divine hospitality that evening. We didn’t do anything particularly special except be willing to love and serve generously—to be a conduit of compassion on Christ’s behalf. Had she not taken the risk to share, the night would have ended well. But because she felt safe, seen, and secure, she allowed what was heavy on her heart to pour out even more.

As you can imagine, it was uncomfortable at first for us to bring her comfort. Still, whenever we choose to stay open to sharing and be hospitable, God seems to use us in people’s lives again and again. If He crosses your path with someone today, I pray you’ll take the risk to say, “I’ll put the kettle on.”

Next Steps

Who is someone that God keeps crossing paths with you? Take a moment to pray and ask Him how you can share or be hospitable toward them. Commit to taking the risk and see what happens.