Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” This quote is the converse of Luke 9:25, “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses or forfeits himself?” Because Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the foundation of our belief, we choose Christ over the world. So the world calls us “fools,” and we may be inclined to go along with them so we don’t make waves, or cause problems, or be called “foolish.” But we are only foolish if we try to gain the world, not if we follow the risen Lord.

So, in light of our victorious Jesus, let us prepare for our celebration of His resurrection. I challenge you to do two things. First, purpose in your heart to host an unbeliever or unbelieving family between now and Easter. Take them to lunch, invite them to your home, buy them coffee, whatever. Demonstrate the hospitality that Jesus calls on us to display through an act of kindness.

Second, pray for that individual or family. Ask God to use your act of hospitality to show His love for them. Don’t worry about a sales pitch. Don’t fret over knowing the EE outline perfectly. Don’t force a spiritual conversation unless one comes up through a normal discussion. Trust the Lord to do “exceedingly, abundantly” more than you think He can.