Servant Hospitality
Posted on November 9, 2018 by America's Keswick in Victory Call
I’ve lived in Jersey all of my life and I love this state so much (especially the beaches, the pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwiches, and the 24 hour diners!) However, sometimes I think about the southern states and fantasize about living in one. I love everything about the south – the bible-based culture, the plaid shirts and southern dresses, country music, cowboy boots, the patriotism, the accents and slang, warm weather, the delicious food … and the southern hospitality!
People from the south definitely have the stereotype of having southern hospitality – they’re known as being warm, sweet, welcoming, and helpful. Even when I visit my family in the mid-west, I’m shocked by how kind everyone is… and I love it.
Recently, I came across an article about ‘servant hospitality.’ I had never heard that phrase before – what is ‘servant hospitality?’ What does it look like? I knew what being a servant was and what being hospitable was, and after digging into it a bit, I believe that “servant hospitality” is full of love, prayer, and selflessness. Here are just a few of the many verses that speak on this topic:
Galatians 5:13 – For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another
Philippians 2:4 – Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
1 John 3:18 – Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 Peter 4:10 – 11 – As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Romans 12:13 – Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Colossians 3:12 – Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience
I know a story about a girl who had been going through a lot of personal struggles, and one day a close friend of hers sat her down and asked her a very pointed question: “How can you spend your time serving and praying for others instead of focusing on yourself?” That question hit her like a ton of bricks as she realized how self-focused she’d become. So now I ask you – despite what difficulties you’re going through– how can you show servant hospitality to a friend, family member, or complete stranger today? What does that look like to you? Let’s dig deeper in the Word and learn more about it together!
Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She loves encouraging women through her Victory Calls and finds such joy in praying for her sisters in Christ. Her favorite activities include reading her Bible, encouraging others with scripture, buying new makeup, buying dresses, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory… In that order!
The Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 26 , Mark 14 | You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “As you spend time in God’s Word and understand his love, the Holy Spirit will create new desires within you to love and serve others like never before.” – Chip Ingram
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. — Acts 2:26