Radical hospitality and abundant love

In the not-so-distant past, Jeanne and I attended services at the congregation where she was baptized and confirmed, and where we were married.

The minister preached a fine sermon. She spoke words that touched my heart, putting everything into simple, concise, tidy terminology: “Jesus practiced radical hospitality and abundant love.”

The trouble is — we may fall far short of what Jesus did. Our hospitality may have limits. Our love may have a long list of conditions.

It is wonderful though if we can make a breakthrough and become more loving. If we can somehow work beyond the “but” and “I can’t” and “that’s just not possible” and “Hades will freeze over before I will ever….”

I remember the words of a mentor of mine. He once said that as one grows older, a person may become increasingly bitter and judgmental toward others. To this he added, on the other hand, people may be filled with a greater degree of tolerance and grace. I believe this is true.

Have you noticed that some people habitually complain about the smallest of things — including an ever-growing list of people? I don’t think they realize that this habit can become more prevalent over time. I wonder why this is so?

Some others, in spite of enduring events in their lives that could have turned them sour, have amazed me with their grace. They are filled with a surprising amount of forgiveness, hospitality and love for others that grows.

What makes the difference? For some, this maturation may be from “giving these things over to God,” which involves the challenge of accepting people whom you couldn’t bear to love in the past. Yes, admittedly, it does sound idealistic and cliché. For me this has actually proved to be true and beneficial though – not perfect, but definitely moving in the right direction.

Part of this process is striving to accept Jesus’ example of “radical hospitality and abundant love.” It is not just a concept kept in my head; I constantly remind myself to live this out by what I do. It is challenging to break down the walls of the past and build new paths that lead somewhere positive, but it is powerful when we can do so, even in the smallest of ways.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.