Luke 14:12-14
Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
We should not do nice things for people with an underlying hope or expectation we will be repaid. Hospitality is tough in today's culture, though- especially the kind of hospitality Jesus is describing. The group he was asking be included would probably include anyone who would have no means of repaying. So, it comes down to being generous and making the effort to do good for those who may be suffering in any way, and expecting nothing in return.
Holy Lord, showing hospitality to strangers is risky and scary in today's world. Help me see opportunities to show hospitality to others, regardless of their ability to repay or even say thank-you. I will be doing this for you, Lord, and not for myself. Amen
Monday, June 19th, 2023
Luke 14:12-14
He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
So should I expect a repayment for anything I may do for others. Would I say I'll do this for you, and you'll do something for me. Some relationships are built on doing things fo…
Luke 14:12-14
I think we are being told here that our hospitality like our good works as Christians are to show we are disciples. We should be showing our hospitality as followers of Christ – not to be recognized or rewarded. Our reward will be with Christ.
Prayer: gracious God, may all my hospitality and works always be done in your name, not mine. Amen
Luke 14:12-14 Not many in our circles give banquets, but we still can show various forms of hospitality without expectation of “payback.” Hospitality in the Christian sense should be a mindset, a lifestyle, not simply a means to an end.
Prayer - Generous God, let me be generous as You are generous, giving freely without conditions or expectations. Amen
TAA