Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

---

Read

Matthew 10:40-42

“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

---

Reflect

I rejoice in this passage because it illustrates how we all participate in the ministry of the Body of Christ.  We may sometimes think that our gifts and service aren’t as great as that of a prophet, and we may never be accused of being a righteous person. Yet, we can be encouragers of all people in that we can support their work and practice Christian hospitality.  We can recognize God’s working in other people and welcome them, encourage them, support them, and Christ says we will receive the same reward as that person.  This isn’t to say that we work simply for rewards.  A relationship with Jesus Christ and doing service in His name is the reward in itself.

Ultimately, Jesus says, that our conduct toward all people–righteous, prophet, or just some ordinary person–is worthy of recommendation.  Practicing Christian hospitality in the spiritual discipline that can help create some order out of the chaos we are experiencing in our culture today.

---

Pray

Create in me, O God, a heart that can receive without reservation, a person in your name. Help me extend grace and mercy to all I meet. Amen

Go with God!