Hospitality is a core attitude toward those whom we are leading. We must learn to relate to others as if we were relating to Christ Himself.
Henri J. M. Nouwen said, "When we see the other person and discover in that person gentleness, kindness, and other beautiful gifts which he or she is not able to see, then our compassionate heart is revealed."
When we serve others...we are serving Christ.
The gift of spiritual hospitality is learning how to serve others even when you're broken. To me, it's a LOVE GIFT to Jesus. Sometimes we find ourselves complaining about the interruptions we encounter when in fact the interruptions may be the opportunity God is giving us to develop spiritual hospitality.
When we open ourselves to being used of God even in our brokenness then God is using our hospitality as a gift from Him to others.
Our brokenness, sufferings, and wounds can serve as a blessing to us if:
- We embrace brokenness.
- We practice hospitality.
---------------------------------------------------
Another aspect of a servant leader is gratitude.
Gratitude is grounded in a focus on God's mercy and grace - not on people and problems.
Remember the song...
"Give thanks with a grateful heart; Give thanks to the Holy One;
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.
And now let the weak say, "I am strong,"
Let the poor say, "I am rich,"
Let the poor say, "I am rich,"
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks."
There are three imperatives of Gratitude from 1 Thessalonians 5;18
- Attentive - "give thanks"
- Inclusive - "In all circumstances"
- God-Centered - "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"
JOY and BLESSING comes to a "wounded leader" who:
- Embraces brokenness
- Practices hospitality
- Express gratitude
The blessing of brokenness comes when we learn the VALUE of the joy and the pain of leadership.