Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

8 December 2025

Reading From III John

“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”—III John 9-10

God has called us to practice hospitality and welcome all people. It is ungodly to be stingy and unwelcoming. Hospitality can involve kind words, welcoming body language, perhaps preparing a home cooked meal, and making sure others needs are met. Through hospitality, we welcome others to encounter the love of the Savior and pray that they become part of His eternal family. We must be ready to minister to the needs of the lonely, lost and least among us.

Jesus turned water into wine, fed the five thousand, graciously dined with the outcasts of religious society, washed other people’s feet, and cooked breakfast for His friends. We need to follow His example and share the warmth of His love in this cold, dark, cruel world where so often people think only of themselves. God has blessed us abundantly and calls us to share our abundance with others. Love your neighbor and know that everyone is your neighbor.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your beautiful example of generous hospitality You gave us during Your earthly life and ministry. Holy Spirit, do Your marvelous work in us and through us to make us generous, welcoming and hospitable to all. Show us opportunities to share Your love and light with all we encounter. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”

When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong… you shall love him as yourself—Leviticus 19:33-34

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it—Hebrews 13:2

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling—I Peter 4:9

Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality—Romans 12:13

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in—Matthew 25:35