Lesson on Hospitality

1 Timothy 3:2 The overseer then must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, of a sober mind, orderly, hospitable, apt to teach.
Titus 1:8 But hospitable, a lover of good, of a sober mind, righteous, holy, self-controlled.
1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without murmuring.

By nature, I am not hospitable. Though I may try my best to give hospitality within my means, still it is far from what it should have been. I am still learning how to give hospitality. I thank the Lord that there are many saints around me who are so hospitable from whom I can learn to give hospitality. I may have my excuses for not being so hospitable but I must learn to be hospitable.
 
In all my travels for the ministry literature journeys, the Lord has arranged for people to give us hospitality. Many of them were the ones I met for the first time. Despite being so, they gave us the best treatment they could within their means. I thank the Lord for them, not merely for the hospitality they gave to us but  also for showing me how I should learn from them and learn to be hospitable.
 
One particular incident that impressed me a lot is my recent trip to Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. A new one who has been enjoying the ministry books was so open to our visit to the city. He even openly proclaimed at the very first call that he was so willing and happy to give us hospitality by stating that his house is always open to the servants of God. When we actually arrived at Bhilai, He even came to pick us up from the railway station and drove us around to the houses we intended to visit. He made arrangements for our stay in his house and further stated that if his house was not comfortable enough for us, he would even book a hotel room nearby. He did his best to give us hospitality. In fact, during all the four days of our stay in Bhilai, he was with us, taking care of us, leading us to different people, driving us around, and spending himself and what he has for us. He created such an impression on me that he is a brother from whom I can learn hospitality. His treatment of us was the lesson I learned.

As I am learning to serve the Lord in the locality the Lord has placed me in, one qualification mentioned in the scriptures is on hospitality. This is the lesson I am still learning. I believe as I am open to learn, the Lord will give me the grace and wisdom in giving hospitality to the saints and to people who may need it.

Lord, teach me to give hospitality and be hospitable to others in need.