“The Gift of Hospitality"
Acts 9:31-43

“At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” [Acts 9:8]

The gift of hospitality is perhaps the most overlooked spiritual gift. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, highlighted this gift amongst the many. 

“And God has appointed these in the church; first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” [1 Corinthians 12:28]

It is interesting to note that “helps” appears toward the end of the list. Perhaps that is why it is sometimes [mistakenly] overlooked. But notice that a prominent portion of Acts 9 is given toward a woman with this special gift. And God even raised her from the dead.

It was not an apostle, prophet, or teacher that was raised; nor was it one with the gift of miracles or healings. It was a woman of humility with the gift of helps. She was deeply loved because of her, “good works and charitable deeds.”

Notice that “helps” and humility are together. You seldom hear a person with the gift of “helps,” proclaiming it, just quietly exercising it. But to the contrary, how many times have you heard a self-proclaimed apostle, prophet, or teacher. And while Paul did say “earnestly desire the best gifts” [1 Corinthians 12:31], I would venture to say that a best gift is the gift of helps, especially within the context of the greatest gift being Love in 1 Corinthians 13. Surely love is in the helps.

As was in the early church, the gift of hospitality is vital in the church today. Without it there would not be much of a church. It is in our service that people respond. Helping is what our Lord taught; it was what He lived.

Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done for you.” [John 13:14-15]

Glorious! The gift of helps is a powerful gift, and its volume works not through words but action.

Might we be praying for the oftentimes overlooked spiritual gift of hospitality.