Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Friday, December 12, 2025

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.¹

In her book, Open Heart, Open Home, author Karen Mains distinguishes between hospitality and entertaining. Entertaining says, "I want to impress you with my home, my clever decorating, and my cooking."  Hospitality, seeking to minister, says, "This home is a gift from my Master. I use it as he desires." Hospitality aims to serve.

Entertaining puts things before people. "As soon as I get the house finished, the living room decorated, my house cleaning doneâ€"then I will start inviting people."  Hospitality puts people first. "No furnitureâ€"we will eat on the floor! The decorating may never get doneâ€"you come anyway. The house is a messâ€"but you are friendsâ€"come home with us."²

My husband and I have had the privilege of opening our home for the holiday family gatherings this year, and it has been a blessing. In the past I remember thinking how everything needed to be "perfectly in order" before people walked through the door. However, I have learned over the years how important it is to be more like Mary instead of Martha... learning to be part of the moment. Our hearts should be led to serve out of love and generosity. The importance of a clean and organized home should not surpass the importance of building connection and serving others.

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