Hospitality Among Brethren by J. W. Hirlinger

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 10, 1907

Hospitality Among Brethren

By J. W. Hirlinger

J. W. HIRLINGER

I FEAR that our brethren who live within easy reach of our regular meeting places do not always consider that our brethren who live miles away, often make a greater sacrifice in getting to and from our meetings than is made by those near by in entertaining those from a distance. They need to make preparation before coming, get, and possibly pay, some one to look after their effects while they are gone, lose their time, and pay their fare to and from the place where the meeting is to be held.

Too often our isolated brethren are censured for not attending our gatherings more frequently when the wrong lies largely at the doors of our brethren living at the meeting centers. Is it not possible that we have discouraged their coming by not giving them a hearty welcome, and by telling them that we have had to do so much entertaining? It saddens all heaven to see a frown come over one’s countenance as brethren and sisters approach, and to hear an expression of regret at the possibility of having to entertain them. If we do this, we certainly are not esteeming others better than ourselves, nor loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Let us all humble ourselves, confess our faults one to another, and our sins to God. Then let us send invitations, urging those living at a distance from the meeting place to come and meet with us, and let us make them welcome. Then God will “pour out” such a blessing

that “there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Now is the time to make “a covenant by sacrifice.” Remembering “the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” It is only by imparting that we continue to receive. Luke 6: 36-38.

While we should use hospitality, let none of us abuse it. God has no time for drones. He says that if any will not work, neither shall he eat (2 Thess. 3: 10); that is, if any one is able to work, and will not, the brethren are not to support him.

On the other hand, if our isolated brethren are in good circumstances, and the brethren with whom they meet are poor, they would do well to remember this scripture: “We then that are strong [having plenty] ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.” Rom. 15: 1.

When we as a people come to that time (and that time should be now) when all will make these things more mutual, considering one another, then we shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit, and we shall be “for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts.” Isa. 8: 18.

“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Come together, seek God together, and so much the more as the day approaches.

Lancaster, Pa.