"Use hospitality one to another without grudging."  1 Peter 4:9

"Be kindly affectioned to one another, with brotherly love; in honor, preferring one another;  not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer;  Distributing to the necessity of the saints, given to hospitality."  Romans 12:10-13

This morning, a random thought went through my head of a past experience.  It was a few years ago, when I was invited over a friend's house after church.  I remember when I walked into this very humble mobile home, things were a bit out of place, the mobile home was almost in shambles, and yet, I felt a warmth there.  We were welcome.  We were loved, and this dear lady wanted us to feel at home.  It wasn't anything pretty, her furniture was old and in poor condition, the kitchen was totally outdated, and yet, I didn't really even notice that too much, at least it didn't bother me.  The thing I noticed the most was her warm welcome, and that even though her home was humble and poor, it felt warm and cozy, and I could have lingered there for a long time, enjoying their company. 

I think we ladies sometimes (especial us perfectionists!) think that everything has to be in it's right place, everything has to be "perfect" before we can invite anyone over.  Well, now that we have been in NC for over 5 months now, I'm a bit starved for fellowship, and I think that just about any person can come into my home and they will be welcome.  I also think sometimes I am only looking to have the Christians that are more like-minded as I, with similar convictions, etc. to invite over.  But what about discipleship?  What if there are some rather "shallow" Christians that just don't know any better because they haven't been taught, or haven't met any mature Christians yet to really take the time with them? 

I think God designed us to be hospitable, to mold and shape each other and build each other up in the faith, to sharpen each other, and really study and ponder the Word together.  I think it also makes us more accountable in our lives, and we open ourselves up to others, for correction and righteous judgment.  If no one saw our flaws, then we would never change.  If no one ever challenged us in a way we think and live that isn't Biblical, then perhaps we could stay in that state for years, without knowing it!  It seems that in today's modern society, we are too busy, or just too out of that way of thinking to even invite anyone over.  I think also, sometimes we just are too tired from the day, and want to come home and relax, in our pj's or something, without worrying about entertaining others.  Sometimes we're just lazy, too. 

Well, after I talk to my husband about this, I think we need to just find someone at church and invite them over.  Who cares if we think our house is too small, or we don't have enough places at the dinner table?  We can adjust, and perhaps eat on T.V trays, or around the coffee table, or even on our own laps!  The point is, we need to reach out to others and find out who our fellow believers really are!  No one can really get to know someone at a church service.  That's not what God intended for the "assembling of ourselves together."  He meant intimate relationships, so we can encourage each other, and folks, we are made for fellowship!  Not just with God, but also with His people.  "How sweet and pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity."! 

So, I want to challenge you, if you are never invited anywhere, don't get sour, go invite someone over your house!  It doesn't matter what day of the week, just pick a time you both can get together, and do something easy, like a slow-cooker recipe or tacos, or a pasta dish.  Don't make it too fancy - you might get too stressed out to enjoy your company.  And don't worry if they will like your cooking.  Remember - it's not about the food anyway.  Ask ahead of time a few things they might like to eat, or better yet, ask them if there is anything they can't eat, or don't like. (Some people don't eat red meat, for example)

I assure you - that once you do this, you will want to keep doing it.  The experience of true fellowship will always ignite a desire for more.  Don't keep to yourselves as a family - you need the Body of Christ and they need YOU!  :-)