Open Door Open Heart

By Our Daily Bread

Read: Romans 12:9-16

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, . . . given to hospitality. —Romans 12:10,13

I traveled to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, to speak at a regional conference for pastors. It was one of those rare trips when everything went right. Planes arrived and left on time. No trouble getting through customs. I was treated warmly and graciously.

My hosts on Friday evening were my driver’s family, and they extended to me the most generous hospitality. When I was dropped off at their small apartment, his wife and three of their children welcomed me. The oldest, a boy, and the two younger girls entertained me while their mother was finishing a nice but modest dinner that probably cost them a couple of weeks’ food budget. Then the eldest daughter, 13-year-old Anastasia, came in from her drawing class. Soon she was showing me her portfolio, and she offered me a drawing. I chose one with two cats, which I knew my grandchildren would enjoy.

After dinner we went into a small room where the boy played his cello for me. Then Anastasia sang a song she had written, and afterward we all sang. For a visitor far from home, missing his loved ones, and keeping a grueling schedule, the warmth of that family was very special. When I think of their love and kindness, I ask God to make me as “given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13) as they were.  —DCE

Putting It Into Practice
To whom can you show brotherly love
and hospitality? When and how will you
show love by meeting the needs of others?

Hospitality can fill the emptiness of a lonely heart.