Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Isaiah 58:7
“Therefore, whatever man you meet who needs your aid, you have no reason to refuse to help him. Say, “He is a stranger”; but the Lord has given him a mark that ought to be familiar to you, by virtue of the fact that he forbids you to despise your own flesh (Isaiah 58:7). Say, “He is contemptible and worthless”; but the Lord shows him to be one whom he has deigned to give the beauty of His image. Say that you owe nothing for any service of his; but God, as it were, has put him in his own place in order that you may recognize toward him the many and great benefits with which God has bound you to Himself. Say that he does not deserve even your least effort for his sake; but the image of God, which recommends him to you, is worthy of your giving yourself and all your possessions.”
John Calvin (1509-1564) in Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 vols., ed. John T. McNeill (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960) 3.7.6.
I flew home late last night after sweet ministry and fellowship with friends. But, there’s no place like home! And now the tables have turned. I’ve been blessed by the hospitality of others, and later today we get to welcome Tim Macready of Christian Super into our home.
While reading Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition by Christine D. Pohl, I came across this quote. It’s striking. It’s easy to extend generous hospitality to mates like Tim. He’s a dear Christian brother. But what about those society says are “contemptible and worthless”. Notice, because of the image of God in them, Calvin, citing Isaiah, says to do it because they are fellow humans. If it sounds difficult, remember that when you and I were “contemptible and worthless” because of our sin, God made room for us. To make room for the “contemptible and worthless” is distinctly Christian generosity.
Father in heaven, help us extend the same kindness to others that you extended to us, even the most undeserving. By your Holy Spirit, help us value humans over possessions, so we look like Jesus to the world. Amen.