Permanent Guests

1 John says that the world will know that we love God when they see the love that we have for one another. To say that you are a Christian, to claim the name of Christ is to say that you are a recipient of the hospitality of God. Each week he invites you into his house. He clothes you with his righteousness, feeds you at his table, rejoices over you, and invites you back again with his blessing, as a permanent guest. This is why your table must be a place were guests are welcome, and the first people on that guest list are your own family members. Your children and your spouse are the permanent guests that God has placed at your table. People who harp on their children and spouse and clumsily throw food on the table do not understand the grace of God. And it will not do to be sloppy and cranky and critical with your family and then invite guests over after church and set the table nice and talk with a plastic smile on your face. God knows your heart; your children and spouse see the pattern of your life. Often people make excuses not being sure how to entertain guests; they say they’re nervous about having people over for dinner. But this shows that they have already missed what’s right in front of them. Your family is your dinner party, your permanent guest list. Treat them like they are. Welcome them to your table with joy, fill your table with good things, and feed one another with good words, blessings, and wholesome laughter. There are of course times and seasons where the providence of God does not allow for you to do all that you would like; rejoice in those times and look forward to when you may be able to do more. But remember that a dry morsel in peace is far better then a feast amid strife.