West Park Baptist Church

hospitality

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Abide: Love

Complaining. It’s one of the chief responses I’m hearing about our situation.

Complaining that people can go to the liquor store but not schools. Grumbling that we can get our lawns cut by professionals but not our hair. Frustration voiced that we can gather in supermarkets but not in churches.

I know complaining is going on because I’m hearing it, but I also know the tendencies of my own heart. These 2 months of social distancing are taking their toll on all of us in different ways, and I get the feelings of frustration and understand the complaints that are being raised.

But no matter what is happening around us, Jesus calls us to higher ground to commune with Him, to abide in Him. What is it He wants us to focus on no matter if we are currently together or not? Let’s read today Romans 12:9–13

[9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (ESV)

Love is one of the Holy Spirit’s fruits. Paul included love in the list in Galatians 5:22 and he writes it at the head of a list of love-based deeds in Romans 12. If you make a bullet list of the commands, here’s how I think they fit together…

Let love be genuine:

  • by abhorring evil and holding to the good
  • by loving one another with brotherly affection
  • by outdoing one another to show honor
  • by not being slothful but zealous to serve the Lord
  • by rejoicing in hope
  • by being patient in tribulation
  • by being constant in prayer
  • by contributing to the needs of the saints and showing hospitality

Love heads the list but also motivates the list. How can we fulfill any of those commands without first knowing the love of Jesus who lived out that list with perfect love for God and people? Abiding in Jesus means experiencing His love and learning to love others like He does.

When we see that bulleted list above or read it in scripture, we must see first the love of Christ. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend time with Jesus? To personally experience everyday life with Him? To know His love for us no matter what?

Friends, I know we all default to complaining, but our time must be spent in learning from Jesus how to love and then thinking of as many ways as we can to love others practically, no matter the season. We have a far greater call to love others right now and always with the love we always receive from God.

Some of the top ways I can think of to love others during these days:

  • Pray, and communicate to people that you’ve prayed for them specifically.
  • Write letters (the old-fashioned kind) if you can, sharing with people the truth of God, and the love you have for them, particularly what you appreciate about them.
  • Contribute to the needs of the saints. Yes, giving is a way to show your love for others. It often begins by focusing on someone else and thinking through their needs and asking God to give you the motive and way to share. Recently our family received a letter (the old-fashioned kind) and a check for a certain amount urging us to apply it in a way that would help our family. We were so encouraged by this, and we remembered in that moment the God who sees us and knows our needs.
  • Help others practically. It’s possible to maintain social distancing, even as we seek to honor the guidelines of Phase 1 here in Knoxville, while working in one another’s yards, helping pick up groceries for the elderly or at-risk, or dropping off a fun treat on the porch for people with kids. I’ve been so encouraged seeing people in our church body do all these things.
  • Think through ways to be hospitable, even with restrictions still in place. For one helpful perspective, you may want to read this article by Rosaria Butterfield.

What are some ways you can think to show love to others? Starting with this list and adding to it as you go, ask the Lord to help you love others as He loves them. Then purpose to show that love to others as you are able.

 

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

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Global Perspectives on Coronavirus – Pt 6

Friends, I realize it’s been many days now of social distancing. I hope among many ways you are seeking encouragement that these articles with Global Perspective have served you well. Today we get a glimpse into the risks the Covid-19 virus has on the refugee community in Europe and ways believers need to focus no matter what challenges they face. Read on for today’s Global Perspective.

The Refugee Community and the Corona Crisis

Over the past several years, God has given me the privilege of working with the refugee community in Greece. Within this community, a minimum of 7-8 nationalities are all blended together at any given time.  Languages, cultures, religions and traditions swirl around me and watching these people work to find their feet in their daily uphill climb has impacted me in more ways that I will ever be able to write.

When the crisis of COVID19 began to reach Greece, its spread to the refugee camps became a major concern. They have lost so much already and often live in crowded conditions with lack of access to consistent proper nutrition, and a sickness like this could spread like wildfire. With great sadness, we proactively decided to close our day centers and gatherings during the last three weeks and limit our movements in and out of the camps to protect them from contamination.

Tonight, I sit here at home beginning week 3 of restricted activity, and, like so many of you, it feels strange to have so little control over my schedule, work, social activities and travel with no guarantee these conditions won’t last for many more weeks to come. Some moments this feels like a great chance to “catch my breath” or work through the growing list of things that always seem to be piling up. Other moments, it can start to feel like everything is out of control and things will never feel “normal” again.

God is using this time, though, to remind me of the lessons He’s taught me as I’ve had a front row seat to witnessing human response to crisis within the work and ministry He’s called me to…here are just few lessons that are hitting home right now:

Lesson 1 – Hospitality and sharing with others is not only possible, but actually an essential part of life even during times of crisis. Yes, we may have to be careful with our resources, learn to waste less, and streamline our spending to what’s truly essential, but at the end of the day, finding a way to share something of ourselves or a portion of what we have with someone else brings true joy…to all involved.

Hebrews 11: 16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Lesson 2 – A positive outlook and proper focus may not change your circumstances, but it will change how you experience them. When times are hard, it can take a lot of energy and emotion to process even the simplest of daily activities…and there’s no shame in that.  But as we are walking through difficult circumstances, it is crucial to find ways to still find things that we are thankful for and create ways to laugh and enjoy moments with those around you (at a proper distance, of course!). My friends here have taught me that when all else fails…ending the day with music and a bit of dancing can always put a smile on your face.

Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

Lesson 3 – When life seems out of our control, what we truly believe will be tested. In times like these, life’s distractions fade away and what or who we are truly trusting in becomes evident. If our faith is grounded in Christ, then these times can work to refine us and deepen our belief. But if our faith has been in something or someone other than the God of the universe, we can find ourselves feeling lost and in search of what truth we’ve been missing. God very well may be using this time of crisis to affect many for eternity!

1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Lord, help us to see these days through your eyes. Give us peace that you are in control, and always have been. Give us compassion for others and use us as salt and light in these trying times. Show us how to not just survive the weeks ahead only to return to “normal life” but help refine us and change us for your glory.

Written by S.