BCIC Hospitality Sample

Hospitality Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

HEBREWS 13:2

THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN PREPARES FOR A GUEST “Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber . . . .”

II KINGS 4:10–11

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

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CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Hospitality in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Affirm Others’ Value

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Abraham’s Unexpected Visitors

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:2

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: What Makes Others Feel Special?

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Anticipate Others’ Needs

11 Bible Story: The Shunammite Woman Prepares for a Guest 12 Memory Verse: Luke 3:11 13 Activity: Blueprint Preparations

14 Lesson 3:

Open My Home

15 Bible Story: Lydia’s Open Heart and Home 16 Memory Verse: I Peter 4:9 17 Activity: Origami Towel Folding

18 Lesson 4:

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ever things were written aforetime were

Welcome the Overlooked

sentations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

19 Bible Story: Welcoming Unlikely Guests to a Grand Banquet

This curriculum offers many practical

20 Memory Verse: Job 31:32

life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not

21 Activity: Word Search

hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables

Additional Resources

applications of God’s Word to everyday

us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

22 Hospitality GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Make Me a Channel of Blessing” 25 H ymn History: “Make Me a Channel of Blessing”

by Harper G. Smyth 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Hospitality?

Read aloud and discuss what hospitality means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of hospitality is “cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life.” The New Testament word for hospitality means brotherly love to others, including those who were not family. In Bible times, people invited weary travelers to eat and rest in their homes before continuing a journey. Hospitality can still be practiced today! You can befriend others and invite them to a meal, game night, or Bible study.

Since the spirit of hospitality is to welcome people into your life wherever you are, your family could invite someone to join your picnic, church event, or outing.

Share God’s love without expecting a favor or invitation in return. Do not exclude nonbelievers from your hospitality. Instead, take the opportunity to give them Jesus’ love through your words and actions. You can be kind and respectful to an unbeliever without approving of his sin or false beliefs.

Hospitality starts at home by practicing good manners, caring for each other, and working Hospitality is often demonstrated together to prepare through loving preparations to warmly welcome others into one’s life and home. for guests.

The opposite of hospitality is unfriendliness. Because an unfriendly person focuses primarily on himself, he easily overlooks others’ feelings, desires, and needs.

He doesn’t welcome newcomers and may avoid most people because he is overly concerned with what

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others think of him. Or he may be exclusive, meaning he will be unfriendly unless he really likes someone.

Perhaps he has been hurt and avoids people, or doesn’t know how to befriend others. He may fluctuate between thinking “I don’t care if I’m alone” and “I wish I wasn’t so lonely.” Rather than share what he has, the unfriendly child clings tightly to his possessions. As a result of his selfishness, others avoid him and he misses out on enjoyable friendships. Unfriendly people are not experiencing and expressing the love of Jesus, the Friend Who gave His life for them. (See John 15:13.)

Hospitality was first demonstrated

by God when He created the world and provided for the needs of mankind. He gave Adam and Eve a Just as people are repelled by the sharp place to live and quills of a porcupine, unfriendliness refood to eat and pels potential ministry and friendships. fellowshipped with them in the Garden. This fellowship was broken when sin entered the world. However, God offered to meet mankind’s greatest need—forgiveness—through Jesus’ payment for sin. When we trust Jesus, we are accepted in Him, the beloved Son. God then welcomes us as His children. He gives us everything needed for life and godliness while He prepares a place for us to live with Him in Heaven. During our time on earth, God wants us to meet others’ needs as an expression of His love and hospitality toward us.

Hospitality in Scripture

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HOSPITALITY KEY VERSE

s you read and study God’s Word, you will

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

for thereby some have entertained angels

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

unawares.” HEBREWS 13:2

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Hospitality in My Life

We see examples of hospitality in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out hospitality daily.

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God provided for His prophet Elijah in the wilderness by sending ravens to feed him.

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(See I Kings 17:4.)

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God provides for His own and reveals His goodness even to their enemies.

(See Psalm 23:5.)

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God satisfies the spiritually hungry.

(See Luke 6:30, 14:12–14; Romans 12:20, I John 3:17.)

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Jesus provided spiritual food as well as physical nourishment for His listeners.

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Jesus offered “living water” to a sinful woman to refresh her thirsty soul.

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Jesus is preparing a place in Heaven for believers, and He will receive them to dwell with Him.

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The Holy Spirit welcomes believers to partake of the “water of life.”

(See Revelation 22:17.)

When I practice hospitality, what attitude pleases God? (See I Peter 4:8–9, Colossians 3:23.)

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(See John 14:2–3.)

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What effect should my hospitality have on those who receive it?

(See Hebrews 10:24.)

(See John 4:9–10, 13–15.)

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What are two ways I can meet the spiritual needs of other believers?

(See I Thessalonians 5:11.)

(See Matthew 5:1–2, 14:14–20.)

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How can I extend hospitality to Jesus today?

(See Matthew 25:31, 40.)

(See Psalm 107:9.)

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To whom does God instruct me to be hospitable?

Why should I lovingly welcome others, including those from cultures other than my own?

(See Leviticus 19:33–34, Romans 15:7.)

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What simple act of hospitality will most definitely be rewarded by God? (See Matthew 10:42.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Anticipate Others’ Needs INTRODUCTION

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ave you ever listened to a story and tried to guess

what would happen next? If so, you were “anticipating” or “thinking ahead.” Likewise, you can anticipate the needs of others by considering their situation with a willingness to help. When your neighbors prepare to go on vacation, you could offer to water their plants or feed their dog. As you plan dinner for guests, you could consider their food sensitivities and preferences.

Listen to the Holy Spirit to discern and anticipate the spiritual needs of others as well. When going out, you could bring tracts to share with those who need to hear the Gospel. You could offer to pray for your waitress, an elderly neighbor, or a newcomer at church. Anticipate others’ needs and look for ways to reach out to those whom God brings into your life.

The Shunammite Woman Prepares for a Guest

HOSPITALITY Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life 10

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 2 Anticipate Others’ Needs

The Shunammite Woman Prepares for a Guest

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fter the prophet Elijah was taken to Heaven, his helper, Elisha, carried on Elijah’s ministry.

to fill all the containers! The widow then sold the oil,

During a conflict with the Moabites, three Israelite

Elisha would travel great distances, teaching in the

kings followed Elisha’s counsel, and the Moabites

schools of the prophets across the land. Whenever the

were miraculously defeated. God also sent Elisha to

prophet passed through the small village of Shunem,

minister to the common people. Once, a poor woman

an affluent, influential Shunammite couple hosted

requested Elisha’s help when her Godly husband

him for dinner. One day, the wife was inspired to

died. If this widow failed to pay her husband’s debts,

extend greater hospitality to this prophet. Which of

her home and children would be seized by creditors.

Elisha told her to borrow many containers from her

paid the debts, and had money left to live on. Often

his needs did she anticipate? What request did she present to her husband? Would God bless her for the

neighbors and to then pour her remaining oil from

hospitality she offered to His prophet?

her small jug into the borrowed containers. As she poured, God worked a miracle and multiplied the oil

Let’s read the Bible story in II Kings 4:8–17 and then discuss the following questions.

1. What did the Shunammite woman anticipate that Elisha would need during his travels? Did Elisha ask her to meet this need? (See II Kings 4:8.)

4. What furnishings did the woman plan to place in the prophet’s room that he might appreciate?

(See II Kings 4:10b, c.)

What is one need that you can anticipate that someone you know may have today? How could you meet this need?

2. How frequently did the woman prepare a meal for Elisha when he came through her town?

(See II Kings 4:8.)

What ongoing needs in your home can you cheerfully meet to encourage your family and your guests? What extra tasks might you take on or assist with when company is coming?

3. Whom did the woman ask before offering Elisha a place to stay? (See II Kings 4:9–10a.)

Why is it important to check with your parents before inviting someone to come to your home?

What task can you volunteer to do before company arrives?

What items might you thoughtfully place in a guest’s bedroom and bathroom before they visit?

How can you contribute to a restful, pleasant atmosphere in your home?

5. When Elisha’s servant asked the Shunammite woman how they could repay her kindness, how did she reply? (See II Kings 4:12–13.)

When you extend hospitality to someone, should you anticipate repayment or gifts? Why or why not? (See Matthew 6:3–5, Luke 6:35.)

6. What did Elisha’s servant anticipate the couple would desire? How were the woman and her husband rewarded by God for their generous hospitality? (See II Kings 4:14–17.)

What will you discover when anticipating and providing for others’ needs? (See Acts 20:35.)

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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Philippians 2:20–21

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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James 4:6

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LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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Galatians 5:24–25

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Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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