Faith that Finds a Home

READ
Acts 16:15

CONSIDER
Once Lydia’s heart is opened, her home is opened, too. She doesn’t just say, "That was a nice sermon." She insists on practicing hospitality, inviting the travelers to stay at her house. Her inward change leads to an outward action.

This is the "so what?" of being Jesus’ disciple. If your heart is truly being cleansed from selfishness and filled with God’s love, it must show up in how you treat people. After all, like James the brother of Jesus says, “Faith without works (or action) is dead.” 

Obedience isn't a legalistic checklist; it’s a grateful response. Because Lydia receives grace, she wants to give grace. Because she has been welcomed by God, she welcomes His servants. 

A heart that is fully consecrated to God will always result in a life that is open-handed toward others.

REFLECT
Hospitality isn’t just a service industry. It’s not just the label we put on how we greet people and make them feel welcome. It is more than good coffee and a handshake. Biblical hospitality is responding to God’s grace by extending it to others - like Lydia.

Our faith is lived out in the way we use our resources—our time, our money, our homes, and more. Perfect love isn't a feeling; it’s not an emotion. It’s a way of living. It’s prioritizing the needs of others in a world that keeps screaming to put yourself first.  

If your faith doesn't form your hospitality in perfect love, ask God to show you one way you can prioritize the needs of others beginning this week.

PRAY
Jesus, I want to be as generous with my life as you have been with yours. Let my home and my heart be a place where others find your perfect love. Amen.