Essence: Offering Hospitality to One Another (1 Peter 4:9)

a discussion series from the pages of -
Authentic Relationships: Discover the lost art of “one anothering”
by Wayne and Clay Jacobsen
ISBN 978-0-8010-6451-7

Lesson Focus: Offering hospitality to one another
(Initial Contact – chapter 5 p.64-67)

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:9 ESV)
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

(1 Peter 4:9 NLT)

“If you lack the kind of relationships you desire, look at how often you invite people into extended opportunities for relationship.” (p. 64)

In a larger passage about being a living sacrifice to God, Paul says the following about the context of hospitality; ”Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13 NLT)

Paul also infuses hospitality with spiritual leadership.
So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. (1 Timothy 3.2 NLT)

Dinner fellowship is becoming much too rare in the body of Christ these days, and that is tragic, sense hospitality is one of the ways we turn a greeting into a relationship. (p. 64)
What keeps us from spending time with one another?

If we’re not careful one anothering will become a chore like anything else we see as an obligation. As with all aspects of one anothering, hospitality should be an act of worship. It’s impossible to grumble when you are worshiping the Abba Father. Worship is the giving of ourselves in every way the Holy Spirit leads which deepens our loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. What an inspiration for deepening our relationships with one another.

Add people to the things you are already doing.
What else can we do to create opportunities for hospitality?

Wrap Up: Simple adjustments in your schedule and attitude can allow you the freedom to capitalize on one anothering opportunities. (p. 67) Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (Hebrews 13:1-2)