"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  (Romans 12:9-13)

The word ‘hospitality’ means “a love of strangers,” did you realise that? 

• It is a great thing to love our brothers and sisters, yet to love a stranger can take some effort on our part, can’t it?
• They may have weird ideas, strange views on God, dress funny or maybe they don’t know how to behave, right?
• Did you ever think what a powerful tool hospitality is for the Kingdom? 

It can break down barriers and build bridges.  It can make a stranger feel welcome as they seek out the truths of the gospel.

• What is your church like?
• If someone new came in for the first time would people greet them, notice them, welcome them?

It’s all well and good having an outreach event or an evangelistic program in place but
where would they be without hospitality, a love of strangers?  Inviting someone in for a cup of tea/coffee, offering to cut the grass for an unwell or elderly nieghbour, maybe take a meal to a busy and sick mother.  These are the kind of things that show we care.  Isn’t it true to say that people are more likely to listen to the words of someone who cares. 
 

The good we do is never lost,
Each kindly act takes root;
And every bit of love we sow
In time will bear its fruit.  -  Anon.

We want to finish with a saying we read recently it seems to communicate the heart of our message today.
“Christian hospitality is the bridge between an open heart and an open home.”
Cup o’ tea anyone?