Love One Another Intensely - BE HOSPITABLE

Jehovah highly values hospitality.  (Read Hebrews 13:16) He considers it part of our worship, especially when we help the needy. (James 1:27; 2:14-17)  Therefore, the Scriptures encourage us to  "follow the course of hospitality.  (Romans 12:13)  We express genuine fondness, affection, and friendship when we are hospitable.  Jehovah is pleased whether we share with others a snack, something to drink, a  meal, or our time and loving attention.  (1 Peter 4:8, 10) However, there may be obstacles that can make it difficult for us to be hospitable. 

We may hesitate to show hospitality  because of our circumstances.  Consider the example of  of a widow named Edit.  Before she became a Witness, she preferred to have little contact with others.  Edit felt that others were in a better position to be hospitable.

After she became a Witness, Edit changed her way of thinking.  She took steps to be hospitable. She relates:  "When our new Kingdom Hall was being built, an elder told me about a married couple  who were coming to help with the project, and he asked me if I could offer them accommodations for two weeks.  I remembered how Jehovah blessed the widow of Zerephath."  (1 Kings 17:12-16)  Edit agreed to host the couple.  Was she blessed?  She explains:  "Two weeks   turned into two months. During that time, we developed a close friendship."  Edit has also been blessed with close friends in the congregation.  She is now  a pioneer and enjoys having those with whom she works in the ministry come to her home for refreshments. She says:  "Giving makes me feel good! And the truth is that I received so many blessings in return." - HEBREWS 13:1, 2.

Next time: Love One Another Intensely - Conclusion of BE HOSPITABLE

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