Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality. –Romans 12:13 

Have you ever gone out into the community around your church building and asked neighbors what they know about your fellowship without identifying yourself as a member? It can be an eye-opening experience.

There are two dynamic concepts in the verse we meditate upon this morning. The first is that believers are to take care of each other as an expression of their Christian love, affection, and connection as a family of faith. This is not a dysfunctional codependency that seeks to control, manipulate, and enable addictive behaviors. It is, rather, a constant willingness to be present, helpful, encouraging, and giving in our relationships within the Body of Christ. Literally, this is sharing in the basic needs of fellow believers.

This sharing and distributing is rooted in the Greek word, “Koinonia.” We translate it as fellowship and community and it goes far beyond potlucks and coffee. It is about shared life and ministry that is deep and profound.

The second concept is that of welcome, called here, “hospitality.” It is a strong phrase that implies active pursuit of strangers.

The picture is clear. The church is a body of people who actively pursue strangers so that they might be invited to a table where people share their lives together in the name of Jesus Christ.

Is that what people see when they visit your church? Do they experience that when they observe your care for one another? Is that sort of overt, active welcome evident in the community? Christian hospitality is always outgoing and always takes the imitative?

How do your neighbors describe your church? Do they know that there is a place at the table for them?