The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have the Bible Edge
I Peter 4:9
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Carrying a grudge against another fights against hospitality toward the other. This is so evident that no more words are required to describe it. But notice what the Bible says, it says, Use hospitality… Not just be hospitable but use hospitality. Use it like a tool. You see, hospitality can be used to great advantages. It’s an edge, it’s a Bible edge for interpersonal relationships.
For example, the Bible teaches in Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Giving a soft answer is a curb against wrath, or anger. It turns wrath away. That is what the Bible states, so it’s true. But grievous words stir up anger. A hospitable person will use soft words, a soft answer to the beginnings of a possible angry situation. That action of employing a soft answer is a tool to be used to bring about peace, or at least the absence of wrath.
In Luke 7 Jesus accepted the invitation of a man named Simon to come to his house and eat a meal. A woman came to that meal, not to partake, but rather to wash the Lord’s feet with her tears, dry them with her hair, and anoint them with ointment. Upon seeing this, Simon spoke within himself that she was a sinner; he seemed to hold a grudge against her because of her character. Jesus, knowing all things, stepped in on behalf of the woman and said to Simon: And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Luke 7:44-46
So, I ask you. Which of the two used hospitality? Simon or the woman? The woman, right? In return she was greatly rewarded: And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. Luke 7:48 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luke 7:50 That was a good use of the tool of hospitality.
Four times the word hospitality is used in the New Testament, every person, especially every man should study them. The last time it is used is in today’s verse. The Bible Edge for hospitality is to use it. Not just read about it but use it. Verbally, physically, emotionally, and in love use hospitality today. It’s a great tool, don’t keep it in the shed.
William Howe, Ph.D.
留言