An extra bedroom for guests is something most of us can’t afford.
However, we can all imagine. A pale green silk comforter to match the curtains. Cushy down pillows. A gleaming desk along one wall, with a WiFi hookup for our guests’ every need.
Oh, and don’t forget an en suite bath. What a luxury that would be!
Our guests would never want leave. Why would they? We’ve made their temporary nest as comfortable as can be, for we want them to enjoy their stay.
What if the stay becomes longer, though? By that, we mean, longer than we want to entertain them as our guests?
Leviticus 25:35 tells us:
“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you.”
Live with us? Like, permanently? Doesn’t the very word guest suggest a temporary arrangement?
God wants us to have the attitude described in Galatians 2:10:
“Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”
Yes, eager to do. Our desire to help those less well off than us should be enthusiastic and without hesitation.
Read in Romans 12:8:
“The one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
What is this passage in Romans teaching us? Paul is describing the marks of the true Christian. If we truly reflect Christ to the world, our generosity will be cheerful and given in good measure. That means without stinginess or hesitation.
And if we haven’t yet learned to share generously? There’s an answer for that, also. Look in Luke 19:8:
“And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ ”
What was Zacchaeus really saying? He wanted to make up for lost time. He knew he had not lived the life he should have lived, and he wanted to show everyone that he was a changed man. What would people truly believe? His pocketbook.
We must be careful, though. Our giving cannot be centered on our personal pride. Matthew 6:3-4 reminds us:
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
So, when your bro moves in, and your guest room becomes his permanent home, just smile and welcome him to share dinner with you each day. That’s what God would have us to do. It shows his love to the poor and destitute, and his outreach of love happens thorough us, using our hands and our pocketbooks.
That’s what Jesus did two millennia ago. He gave us everything.
What’s one houseguest in exchange?
Once we learn to share, Jesus will use us to draw others to him.
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