One of my most distinct memories as a child of immigrant parents was that while we had our own network of family and friends from the same cultural background, there were many social networks we weren’t able to gain access to. It seemed there were always networks of people who were more established, connected and resourced than ours.
Generosity in relationships, at its heart, is an expression of relational hospitality and welcome. It’s a way to bridge the disparity between those who are more and less socially connected. Hospitality is a way to be a friend and neighbor to anyone, regardless of social standing, and while it often means opening up homes and sharing a meal, it also means sharing relational resources and a sense of social connectedness. It’s welcoming strangers as friends and acquaintances as family.
This is why, when we read biblical instruction on the practice of hospitality, particularly towards the disenfranchised and marginalized, the issue is never simply a lack of financial resources or a place to sleep. The issue is often a lack of social resources. For aliens and immigrants, there was no sense of citizenship or belonging. For orphans and widows, there was a loss of inheritance in the form of land and family. It’s for this reason that redemption in the gospel is often described as an invitation to be connected and belong.
1 Peter 2 reminds us that though Christians are being built into a spiritual house, we are also “foreigners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11). Likewise, Paul writes, “you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens …” (Ephesians 2:19). It was the experience of being an outsider, who is brought in to the people of God, that is the basis for the Bible’s call to relational generosity and hospitality. “And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:19.
So how can we practice this kind of relational generosity? Because New York City is a place of great diversity and mobility, there are many ways! Here are three:
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The generosity of relational hospitalityJohn Lin |
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On being a neighborBijan Mirtolooi |
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Five ways to pray for Don’t Walk By |
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Formed to stand with the hope of the gospelCregan Cooke |
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Gotham: A new vision for workHilary Merlo |
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The Mr. Bright I was meant to be |
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