Cheerful

Peter exhorts followers of Christ to open their homes to fellow believers in need. Offer them warmth by the fire, food, and a place to sleep. The hosts were not to expect payment, allow the guests to stay as long as needed, and this was to be “without grumbling.” Hospitality is hard work. Guests may overstay their welcome. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Fish and visitors stink after three days.” But believers were to provide this ministry cheerfully.

From the Old Testament to the New, giving is an act of individual worship. Giving out of compulsion, legalism, manipulation or force is not worship at all.