“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 4: 8-11
We are welcomers! We welcome all the time: from welcoming each other to a zoom call to welcoming a new brother or sister into the family of believers. Small groups are a fantastic opportunity for welcoming one another into a Christ centred community. It is our opportunity as brothers and sisters in Christ to serve one another with the skills we have received from God.
So what does this mean practically? Well, the answer is simple. Be yourself, as God intends you to be. We are intended to be in community, to be intentional with our relationships, and to work “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ”. Perhaps the first step towards welcoming well for a small group then is understanding where our own gifts lie. Maybe you are an excellent baker? Maybe you are great at hosting games? Or perhaps you are a pastoral master with a kind face and open arms.
Beyond our own gifts we are also all called to be “oracles of God”. In other words, we are designed to be wise and insightful counsel to others. That means listening, encouraging, praying and discerning over each other. The best thing you can do to be a good host is to hear about your guests’ lives and listen to their needs, both spiritually and physically.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25: 35-40
We will be known by the way we serve others. Matthew 25 teaches us that we are to feed the hungry and quench the thirsty. We are told to be welcoming, even to strangers and to clothe them. In other words, whoever comes to your door, or zoom waiting room, you are to invite them in, make them feel comfortable and make sure they are fed and watered.
It may be hard to always be welcoming, especially when you've had a hard day and aren't feeling like the welcoming sort. But remember that you will be judged by your fruit and will reap what you sow. If you are welcoming and listen well to your small group it will spread and be reflected in others.
In short, do to others as you would like done to you, and raise it all to the glory of God
