Is That Your Stomach Grumbling or Your Mouth?

TITLE: Is That Your Stomach Grumbling or Your Mouth?

GREEK WORD WITH ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION: γογγυσμος  (goggusmos)

PRONUNCIATION:  gong-goos-MOS

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE #: 1112

MEANING: murmur; grumble

HOW TRANSLATED IN KJV AND/OR ESV:  murmur; grumble

# OF TIMES USED IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT: 8

KEY VERSE IN THE BIBLE WHERE GREEK WORD USED:

1 Peter 4:9 - "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (γογγυσμος)." ESV

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Hospitality is something that we all know we need to express.  The reality is that while it is a command, we need to learn to do so with a willing and gracious heart.  But obviously that is not always the reality.  Peter had to caution his readers in 1 Peter 4:9, "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (γογγυσμος)."    We are to show this hospitality “without grumbling”, that is, without complaining of the hardship of doing it; of the time, and expense, and trouble required in doing it. The idea of grudging, in the common sense of that word-that is, of doing it unwillingly, or regretting the expense, and considering it as ill-bestowed, or as not producing an equivalent of any kind—is not exactly the idea here. It is that we are to do it without murmuring or complaining. It greatly enhances the value of hospitality, that it be done on our part with entire cheerfulness. One of the duties involved in it is to make a guest happy; and this can be done in no other way than by showing him that he is welcome.

    

Hospitality is a virtue that is commanded and commended throughout the Scriptures. Moses included it in the Law (Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Jesus enjoyed hospitality when He was on earth, and so did the Apostles in their ministry (Acts 28:7; Philemon 22). Human hospitality is a reflection of God's hospitality to us (Luke 14:16ff). Christian leaders in particular should be "given to hospitality" (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).

Abraham was hospitable to three strangers, and discovered that he had entertained the Lord and two angels (Genesis 18; Hebrews 13:2). We help to promote the truth when we open our homes to God's servants (3 John 5-8). In fact, when we share with others, we share with Christ (Matthew 25:35,43). We should not open our homes to others just so that others will invite us over (Luke 14:12-14). We should do it to glorify the Lord.

 Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host: The home must be spotless; the food must be well prepared and abundant; the host must appear relaxed and good-natured. Hospitality, by contrast, focuses on the guests' needs, such as a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or just acceptance. Hospitality can happen in a messy home. It can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup. It can even happen while the host and the guest are doing chores together. Don't hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain.

CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY:

There are so many people that we need to and can show hospitality towards.  One such key group are new move-ins into a community.  Another group that needs to be show hospitality are first-time visitors to a church.  Can you identify a family that needs to be shown hospitality?  Make a commitment today to contact someone this week to invite over to your house or out for a meal.  And remember to do so without grumbling. 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

I am grateful Father for those who have shown hospitality towards me in the past.  I pray that you cause me to show greater hospitality towards others.  Help me to do so with a willing and joyous attitude and spirit and to not do so grudgingly.  Send someone my way this week that I can extend Christian hospitality towards.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.