Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:13
Generosity is a readiness to give more than is necessary or expected. Here God calls us to be generous, especially in relation to our homes, our time, and our possessions.
The word hospitality here literally means “loving strangers.” The same word is used in Hebrews: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (12:3). Be especially generous to people who are on their own and don’t have many connections.
You find the same thing in Galatians, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (6:10). The language here is not the language of exclusivity; it is the language of priority.
The implied temptation is to regard what God has given as our own and keep it for ourselves. Think about Christ. What did he do when he ascended into heaven? He opened his home to strangers, and gave generous gifts to his people (Eph. 4:8).
Christ welcomed you when you were a stranger. He opened his home to you, brought you into his family. He showered good gifts on you. In light of this, be especially eager to welcome strangers. Open your home to them. Do more than is necessary or expected in regards to the needs of the saints, because this is what God in Christ has done for you.
Every blessing in your life—spiritual and material—has come from Christ’s hand. What do you have that you did not receive? Since he has so generously opened his home to you and showered his gifts on you, your calling is to contribute to the needs of the saints and to show hospitality.
What are you most tempted to regard as yours and keep it for yourself?