“So Helpful”

Hey, it's time for the Our Daily Bread Daily Devotional. Our writer for today is Dave Brannon, and the reading is titled, So Helpful.

The caller to the Christian radio station said that his wife was coming home from the hospital following surgery. Then he shared something that spoke deeply to my heart. Everyone in our church family has been so helpful in taking care of us during this time. When I heard this simple statement, it reminded me of the value and necessity of Christian hospitality and care. I began to think that the love and support of fellow believers for one another is one of the greatest ways to demonstrate the life-changing power of the gospel.

In 1 Peter, the apostle was writing a letter to be circulated among the first-century churches in what's now the country of Turkey. In that letter, he compelled his readers to do something that his friend Paul wrote about in Romans chapter 12 verse 13, Practice Hospitality. Peter said, Love each other deeply, offer hospitality, and he told them to use the gifts God gave them to serve others. These are clear directions to all believers in Jesus for how we're to treat fellow believers. All of us know people like that caller's wife, those who need someone to come alongside and show concern and Christ-like love. In God's strength, may we be among the ones who are noted for being so helpful. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 7 through 11.

The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever.

Amen. Now let's pray. Heavenly Father, help us to serve others with the grace that we've received from you. May hospitality be a gift that flows from us freely. Give us the creativity and the strength to look for opportunities to invite others into our lives and offer them our friendship as you so lovingly offer the gift of your love for us. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.