Open Home, Open Heaven – Embracing Generosity
In the heart of community lies the warmth of hospitality. It’s not just about the physical act of opening our homes but about the spiritual practice of opening our hearts. Today, I want to explore how having an open home can lead to experiencing the blessings of an open heaven, drawing insights from the story of two remarkable women in 1 Kings 4:1-10.
Hospitality as Stewardship
The way we view our homes can significantly impact how we use them. Do we see our homes merely as personal sanctuaries, or do we view them as spaces to steward under the Lord’s guidance? My wife Katie and I have always sought homes with an extra room or added space, not for luxury, but to welcome others into our lives. This intention has allowed us to host guests, offer temporary shelter, and extend our family in meaningful ways.
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Karen, who stayed with us for five months to be closer to our church. Her presence brought so much joy and learning into our lives. From her delicious Indian curries to deep conversations about faith, Karen’s stay enriched our home. It was a vivid reminder that when we hold nothing back, including our homes, we invite a piece of heaven into our daily lives.
Biblical Foundations of an Open Home
In our passage today, we encounter two women who exemplify the spirit of hospitality. The first is a widow who has fallen on hard times after the death of her husband, a prophet and colleague of Elisha. She faces the threat of losing her children to slavery due to unpaid debts. When she seeks Elisha’s help, he asks her a profound question: “What do you have in your house?”
This question might seem intrusive, but it serves a greater purpose. Elisha wants her to recognize that God can use the most insignificant things we possess to address our biggest challenges. This widow could have responded with pride, anger, or embarrassment, but instead, she chose to open her heart and home to Elisha.
In-House Answers
Elisha’s question urges us to look for solutions within our own homes. Often, we overlook the potential of what we already have. For the widow, the answer was a small jar of olive oil, which seemed trivial at first but became the key to her deliverance. By inviting Elisha into her life, she discovered that her meagre possession was enough for God to perform a miracle.
This principle applies to us today. Sometimes, we need to invite trusted people into our lives to gain new perspectives. Whether it’s financial advice, spiritual guidance, or practical help, opening our homes and hearts can lead to breakthroughs. Organizations like Christians Against Poverty (CAP) exemplify this by providing support to those in need through community and practical assistance.
Conclusion
The story of the widow and her jar of oil teaches us that generosity begins at home. When we open our homes, we open our hearts, creating space for God to work miracles. As we embrace hospitality, we not only bless others but also position ourselves to receive divine blessings. So, let’s hold nothing back and create homes that reflect the open-hearted love of Christ, paving the way for an open heaven in our lives.
Stay tuned for the next post where we will delve deeper into how putting what we have to work can transform our lives and communities.
