“Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me. . . . Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me.” Matthew 25:40, 45 (CEV)

When he was on earth, Jesus encountered all types of people—people he enjoyed being around and others who were more difficult. But no matter who he encountered, Jesus lived with hospitality, civility, and charity. And if you’re his follower, that’s how he wants you to live too.

Live with hospitality. Hospitality is just love in action. It’s love with hands and feet on it. Jesus showed hospitality to everybody! And he expects his followers to do the same. 

Today, hospitality is a lost art. People don’t know how to care for each other. Relationships often are shallow, and people never get close enough to other people to have the opportunity to show hospitality. 

The Bible says, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me. . . . Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me” (Matthew 25:40, 45 CEV). Jesus says that when we are hospitable to others, it’s as if we’re doing it directly for him!

Live with civility. When you’re civil, you respect other people—even people you disagree with. 

Sadly, civility has become countercultural. People are impolite—and sometimes flat-out rude. We need to restore civility so we can disagree without being disagreeable.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NIV). Children of God shouldn’t create conflict and division; they should be peacemakers and bridge builders. 

In Matthew 7:12, Jesus says, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (NIV). We call this verse the Golden Rule, and it’s the definition of civility. Treat others like you want to be treated, even if you disagree with them, even if they’re flat-out wrong, and even if they’re fighting against you.

Live with charity. Forgiveness, mercy, kindness, grace, and compassion. All these things are wrapped up in the idea of charity—showing love to people. 

When somebody irritates you, do they bring out the best in you or the worst in you? Do they make you want to do the right thing or the wrong thing? God says you should show them charity. Offer forgiveness. Cut them a little slack. Extend grace. You don’t know what they’re going through. 

Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37 NIV). It’s time for Christians to stop judging the world and start loving it.

The Bible says, “God so loved the world” (John 3:16 NIV). God loves people and he wants you to love them too. Yes, there is a cultural battle going on over the values that we believe in. But the people who disagree with you are not the enemy. They’re the mission field. They are people that Jesus died for.

So start treating them like Jesus treated people—with hospitality, civility, and charity.