Why are Christ followers called to be hospital and generous? Pastor Troy Murphy addressed that question in his message on Sunday, December 15 at Community Church in the final segment in our sermon series on 'Generospitality.' Here are key points from Troy’s message that help answer that question:

*IT IS WHO YOU ARE

Because Jesus is in you, it’s a natural response to be generous and hospitable. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says we are a new creation, meaning God is transforming us. Unfortunately fear, sin, pride and the allure of this world can hold us back.

*IT'S A LOVE RESPONSE

Our every-day posture should be one of kneeling before God, bowing in submission to his will. Hospitality is not a duty but rather a response of love and gratitude for what God gave us.

*BE A LIVING AND BREATHING JESUS DISCIPLE

God has you exactly where he wants you. You are where you are because God placed you there. What will you do with it? All of us have a calling, in whatever situation we are in. We can point others to Christ in our current situation, and we can bring hope in that place.

*KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN

In the story of the Good Samaritan, some of the religious leaders walked right past the man lying by the side of the road. The Good Samaritan, who was an outcast, stopped and offered assistance. He saw a need and did something about it. We are called to look around us and meet the needs of those around us. This parable is not just addressing physical needs. There are people left for dead emotionally and spiritually and we are put in their lives to serve as a vehicle of hope.

*EVERYTHING REVOLVES AROUND JESUS

Jesus must be the center of your life all the time, not just on Sundays or at certain times. The switch of 'generospitality' must be turned on 24-7. If we put God on the shelf during the week and only bring him out on Sunday, that's like being a "Monday morning atheist."

*STEP INTO THE LIVES OF THOSE IN NEED

Open your heart. Open your hours. Open your home. Let people into your life and show them the same love God showed you. When you do this you are living in God’s abundance. It is in giving that we receive. Small things can make a big difference when you love people.

*NO ULTERIOR MOTIVES

Helping others should never be considered a project. The goal is to be Jesus to others. Throw seeds of love without expecting results. The Good Samaritan didn’t even engage in dialog with the fallen man, he simply gave of himself out of a heart of compassion. It was the right thing to do and wasn’t part of a greater agenda.