Written by our Young Adults –
Kayla, Nathanael and Jo and Louise and Andrew
For all the young adults at Tayside Christian Fellowship (TCF), we are very grateful for the heart of hospitality that has been shown to us both in people’s homes and in the church. This has made us feel welcome and a sense of belonging as we share food and fellowship together and learn from other’s experiences of life and faith. As we head into Easter, we felt it was important to revisit this important aspect of the Church.
Why do we practice Hospitality?
All throughout the bible there are numerous references to practising hospitality including:
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice Hospitality.”
Hospitality is not about inviting people into perfect homes. It’s all about inviting them into our hearts.
Why is Hospitality important over Easter?
As Jesus hung on the cross, we read in Luke 23:42, a prisoner recognises Jesus is God and says to him;
“Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom”. Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
In John 14:2-3, Jesus tells us more about his kingdom (Paradise):
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
At Easter, we remember Jesus dying to enable us to have our true home in his kingdom.
We as a couple in our 20s can see our home on this earth as temporary and a gift from God for us to use for his glory. Church is the family of believers, so our homes should also belong to our brothers and sisters. If some of us are blessed with space then, we seek to see how our homes can be used by others and not just ourselves.
One of the last things Jesus did before he died was to eat a meal with his disciples (friends). This communion was people meeting in each other’s homes for food and to encourage one another.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing”
The importance of Communion, as demonstrated by Jesus on the last night before his death, reminds us of the importance of inviting each other into our homes to share food and fellowship together.
As a newcomer to TCF, I am thankful for the hospitality in the church, particularly for the meals shared and the opportunity to connect and spend time together in fellowship. This was much needed, especially after lock down following Covid 19.
Jesus often used meals as a way of connecting with people and teaching important lessons. Not only were these meals significant, but they were life changing too.
He shared the Passover meal with his disciples before his death and even cooked a breakfast of fish and bread for them after his resurrection. What memorable and life changing meals those were!
As Easter approaches, let’s continue to invite people to “Come and eat” as Jesus did in John 21:12 and share the work of Christ on the cross, His love and the good news of the salvation He brings.
During this Eastertime, what invitations will you continue to be extending? Will it be hospitality in your home or local coffee shop? Will it be an invitation to a friend or neighbour to church or will it be an invitation to God to fill your heart with the love of Jesus this Easter time?
Header photo by Sweet Amaryllis on Unsplash
Published March 2022