When I first travelled to Egypt I had this idea that my presence would be an encouragement to the Christians there. And it was. But those relationships were also an encouragement to me. I gained as much, or more, from that first trip, and every trip since, as I’ve offered to our brothers and sisters in Egypt.
It’s a strange phenomenon, but there’s something about relationships like these.
It’s called hospitality. A helpful definition of Christian hospitality is this: “Hospitality creates a safe, open place where a friend or stranger can enter and experience the welcoming spirit of Christ in another.”
Such welcome is a central part of the Christian life. But it’s not always easy. Sometimes, even with those we love the most, it can be challenging to create those open, safe spaces. And yet, the heart of hospitality is a commitment to welcome one another, those who are like us and those who are not.
Such welcome is modeled for us by the person of Jesus Christ. Time and time again Jesus befriended the stranger, defended those who are marginalized and blamed for their condition. He insisted on welcoming children. He ate with sinners. And even reached out to touch those deemed unclean.
Even in his own circle of disciples Jesus called together fishermen and a tax collector and a zealot, men who ordinarily wouldn’t even consider associating with one another. And yet, for three years they journeyed together.
Jesus embodied the definition of hospitality by creating that safe, open place where friends and strangers alike could enter.
Something happens in those relationships. In hospitality, God knits hearts together in new and powerful ways. This can happen with family members and friends, but I think far more often it happens when we leave our comfort zones and welcome those deemed “the other.”
In his final days, while he was in Jerusalem, Jesus spoke to the crowds about the future day “when the Son of Man comes in his glory.” All the nations will assemble before him, and he will separate all people into two groups. The ones who will inherit the “kingdom,” Jesus says, are the ones who gave him food when he was hungry, clothing when he was naked, and care when he was sick.
The thing is, the ones who will inherit the kingdom are baffled because they don’t recall doing this for him. But Jesus replies, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
What’s that mean? It means that more is required than providing a warm welcome when someone new walks through the doors of the church. We must go out and minister to those on the margins. When we do, we will see Christ and perhaps not even realize it.
Grace and peace, Kimmy
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