★★★★★ 5
The How and Why and Wow of Hospitality
Format: Hardcover
In a changing world where Christianity is losing credibility in so many ways, the only avenue for the gospel is quickly becoming authentic relationship. That's why when I saw this book, I could not order it fast enough. Rosaria comes alongside the reader and kindly and clearly walks through the multi-layered process of how to love a neighbor in this complicated society of ours. How does a relationship evolve from casual introductions while walking dogs to that same neighbor eventually crossing over the threshold and joining the family to eat a meal and linger long in conversation? Rosaria shows us how with compelling, victorious stories that underline what God does when we give Him room to work.
By the time I read to the very last word of the Acknowledgements, I had been assured of the hope that nothing we do for our neighbors is wasted in the grand story God has for each of person involved, particularly if we don't give up praying, serving as opportunity arises, surrendering our reputations of association, and keeping our children in God's hands, not our own. Some reviewers said they didn't know what was so extraordinary about such a simple plan. This hospitality is extraordinary in two ways. First, the fact that she actually lives a lifestyle of hospitality to a wide variety of people is extraordinary in comparison to most of the rest of us. Second, such hospitality invites God to show up and what God does is always extraordinary.
As much as I appreciate the book for showing me how to love my neighbor, what I love most about Rosaria is her repentant heart. One reviewer mistakenly said this book is about "Love the sinner; hate the sin." Rosaria specifically says, "...love the sinner and hate your own sin." (32) She is painfully aware of her own sin, repenting of it daily, as we all should be. Therefore, she does not see any distance between herself and any other image bearer of a holy God who also needs Jesus as much as she did. This fundamental biblical perspective allows her to draw near to all with the message of Jesus. He is all she has to offer. This is true for all of us, but Rosaria knows it.
Rosaria is gutsy, brave, repentant and honest, and she practices radical hospitality with her neighbors daily. If you stare at verses like, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Mark 12:31) and don't know how to live that verse out on a practical level, or if you stare at this incredibly changed world and no longer have the skill set to engage with it, this is the next book to read.
© 2018 by Oaks Ministries. All rights reserved.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2018
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