Settling down into his chair, Elisha gazed about the room and once again thanked God for the blessing of his Shunammite friend. Meeting on the road one day, he accepted the offer of a homecooked meal. What a blessing after a long day of travel! What followed were many more meals shared when Elisha and his servant, Gehazi, travelled through Shunem.

One evening after dinner, the Shunammite woman had led Elisha to this upstairs apartment. Wanting to further meet Elisha’s needs, she had approached her husband.

“I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. Let’s build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.” (2 Kings 4:9-10 NLT)

The result? This room! What an incredible blessing this room and her hospitality had been. How could he repay her kindness?

Sending for her one day, Elisha offered to care for any need or desire she might have. The Shunammite woman graciously declined. She was content with life, her needs had been met, and with a smile, she left the room. Quietness settled in the room as the prophet began to ponder. Finally, he asked Gehazi for a suggestion. “She doesn’t have a son, and her husband is an old man,” Gehazi replied. (2 Kings 4:14 NLT)

Once again sending for the Shunammite woman, Elisha made her a promise. “Next year at this time you will be holding a son in your arms!” (2 Kings 4:16 NLT)

How could he possibly have known? His words stirred a buried hope as she took in his words. No! And yet, could it be? This was a holy man of God who spoke truth. His promise fulfilled would provide her with a greater blessing than any she could ever offer. She waited to see what would unfold in the coming year.

The following year, the Shunammite woman had a son. Blessed by her kindness, Elisha pronounced God’s blessing on her providing her with her heart’s desire – a son.

The Shunammite woman was blessed to bless. She looked for opportunities to meet the needs of people, namely Elisha. In turn, she received blessing. Paul encourages us to “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)

Often people see hospitality as providing food or lodging for family or friends, maybe even a stranger. But what if, having a heart of hospitality is simply looking for ways to make people feel welcome, comfortable, and valued? What if hospitality is shown when you extend warmth and kindness, being generous with all you have?

Maybe you do not have to have a lot to give but sometimes contributing what you have to meet a need or making someone feel valued and welcome provides abundant blessing. When you approach another with a heart of hospitality, you are blessed in a far greater way than you can imagine. You have shown another the love of Jesus as you offer kindness, warmth, and a heart of generosity. God has blessed you, so you can bless others. Whether the needs are large or small, look for ways to offer God’s blessing in your every day.

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone
—especially to those in the family of faith.
Galatians 6:10