Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”                 1 Pet 4:9-10 (NIV)

What do you think of when you hear the word hospitality?  Maybe you are the one who hosts Christmas or Thanksgiving in your home. You know how much time and effort these acts of hospitality require. If we are expected to host guests on a regular basis, we might find ourselves tired and grumbling about another “opportunity” to show hospitality. There are, however, many other ways to use the gifts God has given you. Peter tells us to use all our different gifts to serve others. Hosting dinners or Bible studies may not be what you gifted to do. Can you send an encouraging note or card to someone?  Running errands for someone who can’t drive right now or bringing flowers or a book to someone who just got out of hospital are acts of service, too. Perhaps you could offer to babysit for a young couple you know so they can have a date night. When we use the gifts God has given us, serving others is no longer a burden. These acts not only bring joy to the recipient, but to the giver as well. 

Lord Jesus,

Help me to use the gifts You have given me to show Your love to others. Remind me not to compare my gifts to someone else’s. Help me to discern when and how to use the gifts you have so graciously provided. Thank You, Lord Jesus.

I love You Lord, Amen.