Down by the River

autumn landscape by the river. river and forest. overcast weather. mid autumn. october autumn landscape outside the city

Paul spent several days in Philippi, a leading city in Macedonia (now called Greece). “On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there” (Acts 16:13). One of the women was Lydia from Thyatira, a dealer in purple cloth. This was an important position during this time because people of royalty wore purple.

The Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message. After she and her family were baptized, she invited Paul and his friends to stay at her house. The act of showing hospitality created a strong bond among believers in Philippi. Because of this strong bond, after Paul and Silas were released from the Philippian jail, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them (Acts 16:40).

My husband Dennis and I find pleasure in showing hospitality to believers as did Lydia, and we have enjoyed bonds of love as a result. At first, I was reluctant because I thought of it as entertaining. I learned that showing hospitality is not the same as entertaining. It is opening our home for a place to stay, share a meal and have fellowship with friends. Each time friends come to visit from out of state or for dinner or Bible study, God rewards us with feelings of loving bonds with our guests.

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the opportunity to show hospitality and for blessing us when we do. Help us grow more willing to open our home on your behalf. In Jesus’ name, Amen.