A Prayer to Open Our Hearts and Homes to Others - Your Daily Prayer - December 15
A Prayer to Open Our Hearts and Homes to Others
By Sophia Bricker
Bible Reading:
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time” (Colossians 4:5, ESV).
Listen or Read Below:
Augustine despaired of ever finding the truth. The Manichee cult that had once seemed so intriguing now only brought disillusionment as he considered the mental gymnastics required to believe in teachings that defied rational logic. Where could he turn to find the truth? Already, he had dismissed the church and the Bible. But something changed once he met a bishop in Milan.
After getting to know Bishop Ambrose, Augustine began to feel drawn to the Christian faith. Ambrose lived graciously toward others, even an outsider of the church like Augustine. As he wrote in his Confessions, “[Ambrose] received me like a father and expressed pleasure at my coming with a kindness most fitting in a bishop” (Oxford University Press, 1991, p.88). This man of God did not talk down to Augustine or hatefully turn him away. Instead, the bishop shared his life with the doubting young man–and the result was powerful. Augustine had not yet arrived at the place of faith, but God used the hospitality of Ambrose in the process of drawing Augustine to Himself.
By acting in love and hospitality toward others, St. Ambrose’s life served as a testimony to Christ.
We often think of testimonies in terms of words: what we say and how we say it. Giving an account is certainly a significant part of our witness, for the disciples spoke about what they had seen and heard of Jesus, including the significance of His death and resurrection (Acts 4:19-20). Yet, their witness went beyond mere words. Believers also testify by the way they live, loving and inviting others into their hearts and homes. Combined with speech, the witness of a life provides powerful proof to others of the truth of Jesus’ identity and the salvation He offers.
The people we encounter each day observe the way we conduct our lives–even more so if we claim to be Christ followers. This is why the Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in Colossae to wisely use the opportunities they had when interacting with outsiders, or non-Christians. They were to live wisely toward others, and speak to them with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). Other verses in Scripture likewise urge us to live honorably among non-Christians to bring glory to the Father (1 Peter 2:12).
Our time is short, and tomorrow is not promised (James 4:14). We are meant to redeem the time by making the most of every opportunity that the Lord provides. Instead of taking the easy path and ignoring those around us or dismissing those we disagree with, we should consider the great hospitality of our Lord and extend that same welcome to others. As it is, He showed His love to us while we were still sinners caught in the destructive patterns of the world (Romans 5:8).
Like St. Ambrose, we can choose the costly yet joyful path of showing Christlike love and care for others by sharing our lives with those around us. To take time to listen to the concerns of a doubting youth. To involve others in the daily workings of our lives. To share a meal with someone different than us. To greet people with warmth and grace. We may be surprised by how the Lord uses small acts of hospitality, perhaps even using us as a part of His plan to bring another lost sheep safely home into His embrace.
Let’s Pray:
Lord of each moment, help me make the most of the time that You have given me, wisely stewarding the relationships You place in my life. I know that my time here is short, and the days are evil. So may I seek to honor You in the way I live. Teach me to welcome the outcast and forgotten, love those who are hard to love, and offer a listening ear to people with whom I may disagree.
Guide me to ways I can show hospitality to others, even in simple or small ways. And when the work is costly, remind me again of the cross where You hung and bore the sins of the world. You welcomed me as Your own and loved me despite my wrongdoings. May I extend that same grace and kindness to others.
In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/petrenkod
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