This week Tani spoke to us about ‘sitting with our sin’- that is, allowing space in our lives for the Spirit of God to deeply convict, forgive and heal us. It is only when we learn to welcome God into our darkest parts that we experience a revelation of what it really means to welcome others lost in darkness. This is significant because as a church we are exploring what it looks like to welcome others to our table and join the tables of others. Developing hearts for true hospitality as Jesus showed us is going to require first and foremost honesty with ourselves, confession of fear, and a willingness to let God work in us to deepen our understanding of welcome.
Henri Nouwen is a spiritual writer who says this:
If there is any concept worth restoring to its original depth and evocative potential, it is the concept of hospitality. It is one of the richest biblical terms that can deepen and broaden our insight into our relationships to our fellow human beings. Old and New Testament stories not only show how serious our obligation is to welcome the stranger in our home, but they also tell us that guests are carrying precious gifts with them, which they are eager to reveal to the receptive host.
So hospitality not only blesses the guest, but the host too!
Lord, I welcome you into the deepest part of my spirit where I can receive your healing forgiveness and liberating love, and in doing so will you please turn my fears and hostilities towards others into the truest, richest form of hospitality. Amen.