Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:8-9 (NIV)
Every month of 2020, we introduce a new verse and look at a different aspect of what it means to put on Love Over All. We love everything about Love Over All (read more about it here) and can’t wait to share these amazing verses and ways to live them out with you!
November’s theme is Love Gathers.
Jesus was the ultimate gatherer — not only because crowds flocked to hear Him teach and watch Him heal, but because Jesus welcomed people exactly as they were. Throughout the gospels, we see the way Jesus gathered people to His heart with soft words, gentle truths, and small interactions filled with love.
He looked up to see Zaccheaus in the tree. He sat with the woman at the well. He called Peter to join Him out on the water. He stopped to find the bleeding woman. He invited children to come near. He forgave the criminal on the cross. Wherever Jesus was, He saw individuals and made space for their stories and their needs.
Often we think of gathering together or offering hospitality in terms of sharing a meal or hosting a celebration. This usually involves food, planning, and preparation of a physical space. But this year, more than ever, we’re challenged to think about what hospitality means a little differently.
Maybe what God is calling us to do right now isn’t to bake a pie, plan an event, or tidy up the house for guests to feel welcome. Maybe He’s simply calling us to come together in spirit — inviting one another into the lonely, difficult places in our hearts that need to be reminded of His love. Maybe it looks less like a party and more like being emotionally present for another long video chat. Maybe we gather up moments at the grocery store or in a neighbor’s driveway where we pause long enough to move beyond small talk to lean, really listen, and speak a deeper word of love.
Maybe this month we think less about opening our doors and more about gathering people closer to the heart of Jesus.
Tell us some creative ways you plan to offer hospitality or safely gather together this year.
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