To give hospitality and ‘welcome the stranger’ we can’t be running on empty—physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are whole persons and need to give attention to every part of us. This includes plenty of nourishment and rest, exercise, healthy relationships and quiet times of contemplation.
Eugene Peterson of “The Message” Bible-fame wrote a book expounding the key spiritual elements we need if we are to give hospitality or care. One of these is reading the Bible. Everyone knows this is important but he offers a fresh approach.
Peterson explains that before the invention of the printing press, communities gathered for public readings. They would listen to God telling His story. When books became affordable and literacy soared, we changed from hearing the Word of God to seeing it. We look at the scriptures to get information and to get value out of our devotions. We have forgotten that scripture is really God talking to us in a love relationship and as in any love relationship we listen to the other person. Our prayers are our response to our listening.
Most of us have kept our faith by holding onto favourite texts in times of trouble and distress. Just as we love a kind word from a friend when we are low, those favourite verses are God’s comfort words to us. God is speaking. What are you hearing him say?
To help me with these questions and to change the way I approach the scriptures, I listen to them being read on CDs. My particular set is from Mercy Ministries—women reading the New Testament. A free download for your iPad, iPod, iPhone or Android device is available from another supplier Bible.is