August 30, 2026 | Lydia, the Generous Hostess

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Devotional Reading: James 2:14–26

Background Scripture: Acts 16:11–40

Introduction

A. I Was a Stranger

After college, I accepted an internship on the other side of the country. For the first time, I was far away from family, friends, and everything familiar. The roads were confusing, the air smelled different, and the local accents took some time to decode. I loved my internship but often felt alone in this unfamiliar place.

I tried to find new friends at church, but the hospitality felt quite cold. While some people greeted me at the door with smiles and goodie bags, no one tried to learn my name or where I was from. Even after attending services for a few weeks, no one seemed to recognize me.

However, an older couple from work showed me generous hospitality that changed everything. They took time to listen to me, invited me into their home for meals, and even took me to the doctor’s office when I was sick. When I felt unsafe in my housing situation, they offered me a place to stay. Their kindness and generosity made all the difference. I was a stranger, but they showed me hospitality (compare Hebrews 13:2).

The Bible teaches us to show hospitality to others (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 8; etc.). Jesus Himself teaches that when believers extend hospitality to “the least of these my brethren,” it is regarded as being done unto the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:34–40). Today’s study provides a first-century example of hospitality toward a stranger. Through this example, we will see how Christian love is embodied.