The family that I am staying with shared a really neat story with us when we first arrived. I have been wanting to blog about it, and just now got a chance to do so…
When Scott and I first came to their home, we were telling them we would like to contribute towards groceries and gas, because they were helping us so much by saving us a ton of money from hotel fees, autos, and food.
Brian proceeded to tell us a story. He said he has been reading a children’s version of Pilgrims Progress to his kids. I believe he said on a Friday night they got to a chapter where the Christian was weary from traveling and he came upon the home of a man named Gaius. And Gaius, who is also mentioned in 3 John in the Bible, opened his home to strangers. The Christians asked how they could repay him for his food, shelter, and kindness. And Gaius refused any payment and continued to serve them as his honored guests. He offered all that he had and did not withhold anything, as unto the Lord.
Brian said they were discussing that story and the importance of opening your home and the importance of sacrificial giving as a family. Then the next morning I called and asked if they had room for us in their home.
He said it was cool that they had just read that, and then I called. Now their family was able to demonstrate and live out what they just read… opening their home to strangers weary from travel, and providing all they have without withholding anything.
They have truly done this. Treated us just like family and not taken any money or payment. They won’t even hardly let me do a chore around the house to help. We have been treated like honored guests in their home.
What a picture of Christ!!! I don’t know many people who would do this. In fact, we had a group of college age students (along with some adults) come to our church last year to lead us in a Thirst Conference and it was a little difficult to get people to open their homes for their short stay.
This family’s ministry to my immediate family has caused me to really think about my own heart towards others. Am I reflecting the hospitality that Christ wants me to? May I not hold things, items, my home, my own personal space to close… After all, all of these things already belong to Jesus anyways. Everything I have, has been given to me by him, and this I know (and am fully reminded of while in India)… I am richly blessed with material items, shelter, and food, compared to most people in the world. Thank you God for giving me all of these things, please give me an opportunity to use them for you!
I love the Message version of III John I: 1-8
3 John 1
The Message (MSG)
1-4 The Pastor, to my good friend Gaius: How truly I love you! We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! I was most happy when some friends arrived and brought the news that you persist in following the way of Truth. Nothing could make me happier than getting reports that my children continue diligently in the way of Truth!
Model the Good
5-8 Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible. They’ve made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.