April 30, 2004

Fully Integrated Life:
“…entrusted with God’s work…hospitable…” (Titus 1:8)

Over the last few days we have been looking at several characteristics that keep us from becoming a person of influence: self-willed, quick-tempered, addicted to wine, pugnacious, and fond of sordid gain.

Over the next six days we are going to meditate on the characteristics that Paul tells Titus should be found in each pastor and apply it all of us who want to have positive influence on others.
 
HOSPITABLE
The Greek word for “hospitable” is a compound of two words, “philos” which means “affection” and “xenos” which means “stranger.”  So the picture we see here is being friendly to anyone, even strangers, seeking to meet the needs of all.

Jesus helps us understand this further when he spoke to the Pharisees: 
 “And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, “When  you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your  brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also  invite you in return and that will be your repayment.  But when you  give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and  you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for  you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
 ( Luke 14:12-14)

Of the six qualities that we find in Titus 1:8, “hospitable” most directly impacts our relationships with other people.  Many times throughout the gospel accounts we see Jesus embody hospitality. 

We find Him sharing meals with tax-collectors and Pharisees.  We see Him share a drink of water with a Samaritan, who would have been seen as an outcast to the Jews.  He healed the lame and touched the eyes of the blind.

How do we perceive and treat strangers?  Do we look down on them?  Do we ignore them?  Do we look at things through spiritual eyes and value individuals as God’s creation? Or, do we assign value based upon someone’s social standing?

Heavenly Father,
We know Lord that You show no partiality.  Open our eyes to see the spiritual needs and the souls of those around us.  Help us to see that our hospitality and sincerity towards people will allow them to see a picture of Your grace and mercy. 
Show me the practical ways that I can be hospitable.
In Jesus Name, Amen.