In women’s ministries - serving others is a must. #2: If she has lodged strangers...

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Deaconess Lydia of Thyatira – her conversion and service.

Continuing 1 Timothy 5:9 - Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 – well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, [#2] if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

The second thing we see is “if she has lodged strangers”. Providing for others in this way can be a very self-denying and stressful activity. Keeping the visitors fed, the home clean, making sure they are comfortable and have all their needs met can all add up to a significant act of service. Here are a few examples:

Hebrews 13:1- Let brotherly love continue. 2 – Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

The word translated “entertain” means “to receive as a guest”. Lydia of Thyatira did this for Paul and those with him:

Acts 16:14- Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped Elohim. Yahuwah opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 – And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to Yahuwah, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

1 Peter 4:9- Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

The household of Deaconess Stephanas of Achaia -

Being able to take care of guests is an important need in the body of Messiah. A woman should be very attentive to their needs. In fact, everyone in the home should be as well. Consider the example of the household of Stephanas:

1 Corinthians 16:15- I urge you, brethren — you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints — 16 – that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.