Transformation Journal. Carolyn Slaughter
been willing to go in order to show you that love?
• How does God's unmatched love for you motivate you to love others? What things in your life do you need God's love to conquer?
friday
What Is An Example Of Love That I Can Learn From?
It is easier to talk about demonstrating God's extravagant love than to really get down to active caring for others. The Bible story today shows a great example of extraordinary love—a love willing to do whatever it takes, a willingness to pour out one's life to care for another's needs. You show your love for Jesus by serving selflessly through loving actions.
Luke 7:36-50
• Why did Jesus appreciate the woman more than his dinner host, the Pharisee named Simon?
• When have you loved someone with actions rather than words? Write down an action of love you can take today.
saturday
What Does Love Look Like Among Christians?
Many Scripture passages urge believers to love one another. The strongest witness that Christians bring to the rest of the world is the example of modeling godly community bonded together through love. Encouraging, serving, honoring, and lifting one another up are all part of what God desires.
Romans 13:8-10, 12:9-13, and Galatians 5:13-14
• From the Scripture readings, list the "nonnegotiables" given about how Christians are to demonstrate love for one another.
• Write your own definition of what it means to "love your neighbor as yourself." Is God challenging you in any specific way to better live this out?
sunday
What Does Hospitality Look Like To God?
You might generally think of "hospitality" as an industry (hotels and restaurants) or as entertaining (throwing a great party). In the Bible the word hospitality means showing love to strangers. When you extend hospitality, you generously receive people not only into your home and circle of friends but into your life.
Matthew 25:31-46 and 1 Peter 4:7-11
• For what seven actions in Matthew 25:35-36 will Jesus hold his followers accountable?
• Of these seven actions toward others, which do you need to start practicing more?
monday
How Far Do I Have To Go In Being Hospitable?
Hospitality is about extending God's grace and inviting people to experience the love of Jesus. Being willing to humble yourself and sacrificially be involved with all people is a critical part of hospitality. Even when people excuse themselves as too busy or too involved, keep on asking and welcoming until God's house is filled.
Luke 14:1-24
• What do you learn about the difference between society's values and Jesus' values from today's verses?
• In what ways have you been subtly influenced by society's values rather than Jesus' values?
tuesday
I Understand How My Hospitality Can Benefit Others, But What's In It For Me?
"In reception of the poor and of pilgrims the greatest care and solicitude should be shown, because it is especially in them that Christ is received" (Saint Benedict, A.D. 480–543). The greatest benefit of all is experiencing Jesus through those whom you welcome into your life.
Luke 24:13-36 and Hebrews 13:1-3
• In the story in Luke 24, why did the two men not recognize Jesus? What opened their eyes to him?
• In what current situation or relationship do you most need your eyes opened to see Jesus?
wednesday
How Can I Help Create A Climate Of Hospitality Within The Body Of Christ ( The Church)?
The key to hospitality is love—not as an emotion but as assertive, practical actions that reach out to care for others. Your willingness to apply the New Testament's teachings on demonstrating this kind of practical love will determine the climate of your family, your local church, and your community.
Romans 12:9-21, Acts 2:42-47, and 3 John 1:1-14
• What makes you think the individuals within the Acts 2 believers' community were practicing what Paul taught in Romans 12:9-21?
• Based on Romans 12, what loving action could you take this week toward someone who is difficult to love?
thursday
What Are The Long- Term Effects Of Practicing Hospitality For A Christian?
As the people in Philippi responded to the gospel message through Paul, they opened their hearts and homes to him and his traveling companions. Entire households were changed. When the gospel enters a home through just one believer, a chain reaction begins that influences not only a family but also future generations.
Acts 16:11-40
• Paul and Silas were falsely accused, severely beaten, and thrown into a dark, damp cell with other prisoners. Why did they trust the jailer to take them to his home? What was the result?
• When have you stepped out in faith and trusted another person's offer of hospitality? What happened?
friday
What Are Some Examples Of Hospitality In Action?
Paul was one of the most well-traveled apostles, completing three missionary journeys around the Mediterranean area. Roman inns of the time were known as dangerous, dirty, and flea infested, so traveling teachers, including Paul, depended on the local communities of believers for hospitality instead.
Acts 21:1-16 and 28:1-10
• In how many homes did Paul stay, as described by these verses? What acts of "unusual kindness" were done for Paul?
• Is it difficult for you to accept or receive help from others? Why or why not?
saturday
What Can Give Me The Capacity To Truly Demonstrate Radical Hospitality?
Hospitality is bigger than opening your home; it has to do with opening your heart. The love you received from Jesus flows out from you, and this enables you to welcome others as Jesus does. You may not like what you see or hear; your comfort