Mi Casa Es Su Casa

GETTING STARTED

Most are familiar with the phrase “Mi casa es su casa.” My house is your house. It is a phrase of hospitality that says, “You are welcome here.” Some people truly have the gift of hospitality; for others, it’s a bit of work to be hospitable. But, I believe we all recognize its value in community and relationships. True hospitality requires putting the needs and desires of others above your own. You must push selfishness aside to exhibit hospitality. Today’s reading shows the early church experiencing an exponential expansion of this selflessness, for the good of all.

  • What characteristics do you associate with someone who truly has the gift of hospitality?
  • How do you feel when you are able to experience this hospitality?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 4:32-37 (ESV)

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What do you think is included in the meaning of the phrase “one heart and soul” (vs. 32)?
  2. What is the attitude or condition of the heart conveyed in verse 32 in regard to possessions?
  3. What is identified as the standard for dispersing the provided proceeds (vs. 35)?
  4. Identify two character traits you can discern about Barnabas. How does his example of hospitality spur you on in your faith?
  5. In what ways does our attitude toward possessions (money and things) affect our attitude toward God and others?

RESPOND TO GOD

What an amazing observation of lives changed. These people were different than they had been just a short time before. Faith in the risen Savior gave them a new view of life. No longer were they controlled by possessions, but they shared what was available with others who had need—the true definition of hospitality. Barnabas, who was already viewed as an encourager, gave an example of generosity to meet the needs of others. He showed that true leadership is joining  words and actions. What could bring about such change in these people? The presence of God’s Spirit, the helper promised by Jesus, was now present in the lives of these followers (Acts 2:1-4).

  • Pray for God to create in you the same hospitable attitudes and actions experienced and exhibited by the early church.
  • Pray that you remain fully engaged with God’s work in you, through his Spirit, for all your days on earth.