Today’s Reflection
Acts of generosity and hospitality can never be underestimated for their potential to provide strength and encouragement to others, especially when needed most. When we anticipate and then act to meet others’ needs and concerns, no matter how menial, we affirm our commitment to several truths: It is better to give than to receive; we are our brother’s (and sister’s) keeper; and we more fully understand that “their destiny is tied up with our destiny,” as Martin Luther King Jr. stated.
—Michael W. Waters, Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture (Fresh Air Books, 2014)
Today’s Question
What would our communities be like if more people fully embraced hospitality toward others? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Do you have contempt for the riches of God’s generosity, tolerance, and patience? Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is supposed to lead you to change your heart and life?
—Romans 2:4 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God,
Help my generation rise to meet the challenges of our day with courage and integrity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Through rich and moving stories of people from various faiths, author Frank Rogers Jr. shows ways to incorporate compassion in our daily lives. Start practicing compassion with Rogers in our Academy Recommends eCourse.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
The homeless would always have a place to live and hunger would be met with food. God’s kingdom would be here. What an awesome thought! Did three CBT exercises Erich found, followed up with a phone call to a mental health provider, hopefully a therapist soon. Took two long walks, nice weather. Warmer weather returning soon, breakfast with the pastor this morning, new Bible study book selected. Pastor Carol will lead Bible study starting July 13th. Tweaking the paint on the Brill car is perfecting the stripes. Have to review NEM posts, it’s very different being the first one to write.
It is sad that there have been studies that show if the wealth of the richest people were distributed where needed in the world there would be no homeless or hungry or lack of water or healthcare resources . They would also still be wealty with many bilions. What does that say about greed?
Hopefully my mom gets out early tomorrow because she is anxious. Apparently lack of patience with one’s mother is a universal affliction of daughters as Jill describes her relationship with her mom and her friend’s with her mother. Makes me wonder about Megan and I. Sigh. Warmer weather here as well with 90s this weekend. This is my type of weather as I am Syrian. What I did just learn is that my ancestors were from Lebanon. I surmise they emigrated to Syria so long ago that it was not known by most. My cousin had DNA tests done and that is how she found out our origins are not Syrian. My great grandparents however did come to Ellis Island from Syria. My great grandfather started a church in the Scranton area. So I also come from a long ancestry of devout Christians. My grandfather was a devout Catholic.
Prayers for a job for Ally and improved health for her, David and Marcy. Prayers for Jill and her family and I agree with Larry in that I am not pleased with how quickly the nice summer weather is marching toward fall chill. Prayers for Lou and her friends and family. Prayers for Robert and Pastors Sue and Carol, may all face the coming changes with kindness and anticipation. Thank you for your prayers and God bless all who visit here.
I think trust would increase exponentially, if more people embraced the practice of hospitality. A few years back an African American family moved in to the house next door, as renters. I took over some brownies. The youngest child came to the door and he went and got his father. I was not warmly received and never developed a relationship with them during there short rental time. I was relieved that the house finally sold a few months back, following so many rentals in and out. This family has a 16 month old and it is blessedly quiet over there. No loud music, no loud interactions outdoors. I rarely see them.
My teacher friend who is recovering from breast cancer – went golfing with me today. We played 9 holes and after a few holes, she was hitting it like her old self. We carried out food from a place close to my house and ate at my house and visited for a while. Depending on how she feels over the next few days, she is hoping to play in my best friend’s non-profit’s golf scramble two weeks from today. She has played in it several times before.
Rain is moving in. Hoping to take a walk after it passes, but looks like it will be stormy for a few hours.
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