The best room
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. — 1 Peter 4:9
During a January research trip to Germany, I was dismayed to learn that we would be staying at a monastery. I pictured an austere place with no heat, cold stone floors, and hard beds. Instead, I found a warm, welcoming, comfortable room. My colleague said, “The monks believe in treating their guests as they would treat Christ.” Though they don’t live in such comfort themselves, they are content.
Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet, wrote:
Christ, He requires still,
wheresoe ’er He comes,
To feed, or lodge,
to have the best of rooms:
Give Him the choice;
grant Him the noble part
Of all the house: the best of all’s the heart.
It may seem easier to welcome Christ into our heart than to open our life to others. Whether it’s a room in our home or time in our schedule, too often we treat people as intruders rather than guests.
The apostle Peter wrote: “Above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:8-9).
We honor Christ by giving Him the best room, our hearts, and by offering willing hospitality to others. — David McCasland
I am Yours, Lord, yet teach me all it means,
All it involves of love and loyalty,
Holy service, full and glad surrender.
And unreserved obedience unto Thee! — Bennett
READ: 1 Peter 4:7-14
To know love, open your heart to Jesus. To show love, open your heart to others.
The Bible in one year:
• Psalms 70-71
• Romans 8:22-39
- Latest
