Romans 12:13 “distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”
The transformation of the believer’s heart is seen in the believer having a heart for helping others, especially believers, in need. Let me state that again and allow you to read it and read it a little slower as you must not miss this truth. The transformation of the believer’s heart is seen in the believer having a heart for helping others, especially believers, in need.
Do you have a heart to help others in need, especially other believers in need?
One of the first actions we find in the early church was it helping those in need. (Acts 2:44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.) Pastor James preached that true religion was actively helping widows and orphans IN THEIR TROUBLE or NEED. (James 1:27)
I ask again, do you have a heart to help others in need?
Based on the teaching of Paul in Ephesians 4:28 the believer is to be earning an honest wage so they can HELP a person in need. Notice Ephesians 4:28. “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”
Believers are looking for ways to help those who need help!
Believers are also hospitable. Paul writes given to HOSPITALITY. Hospitality is the welcoming into one’s home, even to a stranger. Peter would write in 1 Peter 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” I like to say be hospitable, not hostile!
I think “distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” are simple acts of kindness. It is Christianity in action. It is DOING for another.
A thought: Be sure at some point this Christmas to watch A Christmas Carol
Continue Strong doing acts of kindness,
And Remember to Date the Word