Join Us for Dinner
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
Welcome people into your home and don’t grumble about it. CEV
One summer afternoon, Anna and her sister were playing hide-and-seek in the backyard with some kids from the neighborhood. When her mom called the kids in for dinner, Anna ran up to ask, “Can the neighbors’ kids join us for dinner?”
At first, Anna’s mom wasn’t sure what to say. She could have fussed or grumbled about whether there would be enough food and said “no,” but she was impressed with Anna’s hospitality. “Yes, that sounds great!” was her reply.
As soon as those words came out, Anna ran excitedly across the grass to invite the neighbor kids and their parents over for dinner.
Everyone had a great evening sharing a meal and talking together outside. They talked about the good things and not so good things going on in their lives. Anna’s parents also had a chance to pray and read the Bible with their neighbors.
It was an amazing night of getting to know neighbors a little better and sharing a bit about faith. And it all started with a simple and cheerful invitation to hospitality.
Are there neighbors that your family could invite over for a meal?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for our neighbors. Jesus, help us to offer hospitality to them in your name. Amen.Related Resources
Terence Schilstra
Terence and his wife Karen and their four kids live and serve among the urban poor in Downtown Thorold, Ontario. He is a pastor and author of the book Peace of the City; A Handbook for Missional Communities.