"Why are we always the ones paying for the meal?" my son protested. "People will assume we have so much. And, no one is going to remember the good things we did."

"No!" we gently corrected. "We are supposed to be hospitable whether people notice, remember, or not!"

As parents, we desire to instill the value of Christian hospitality to our children. Yet to the young mind, Biblical generosity reaps no visible benefits.

Nehemiah is known for the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall, but much less is known about his "extreme generosity":

Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people. (Nehemiah 5:17-19 ESV)

People thought Nehemiah was merely using the official fund to entertain, but it was actually out-of-his pocket hospitality. And, this generosity lasted for 12 years.

Sure, there will always by cynics and doubters who rush to discount how filthy rich Nehemiah and others like him possibly are. However, each of us has to decide how we want to be remembered and how we want to honor God.

Do I want to be remembered as generous?
Do I want to be remembered as generous, hospitable, and willing to share?

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. (1 Peter 4:7-9 NLT)