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MeditationRead Genesis 18:1-15 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. --Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV) During my high school years I did yard work for Mrs. Buzard, a wonderful woman who lived a life of much caring and kindness. Often after I had worked all afternoon in the hot sun, she would bring me a tall glass of lemonade. She also showered me with small gifts and homemade treats. Her grace-filled hospitality shaped my life. The Bible is replete with examples of, and requests for, hospitality. We are commanded to show hospitality to the stranger in our land (Gen. 18:1-7), as well as to open our homes to those in need. (See Rom. 12:13, Isa. 58:6-10, Heb. 13:2). By doing so we may discover that God has drawn especially near to us. Actually, hospitality is at the center of the gospel. The Bible tells us that God has come to us in Christ, received us as children, and given us all that we need. Our faith in God's love moves us to show this same hospitality to others. Each day we can be thankful for the hospitable acts of others. And as a response to God's love coming to us through them, we can look for ways to show "hospitality and welcome" to each one we encounter. PRAYER Welcoming God, thank you for sustaining us with your love and giving us all that we need. Help us to open our hands and our hearts to others. Amen. Thought for the Day Hospitality can express God's love. Todd Outcalt (Indiana) Date: 1/28/2013
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