For many, the term hospitality brings
to mind glossy magazine photos—an immaculate home, a gourmet menu, an exquisite
table setting. And while some of these
images could be applied to biblical hospitality in certain situations, what these
images portray is not hospitality but entertaining.
When hospitality is described in the
Scriptures, there are zero instructions regarding home décor, menu, or
table setting. Take a look at how the
Scriptures describe biblical hospitality.
- According
to John
14:15, 21–24, the primary evidence that one is a Christian and
loves her heavenly Father is her choice to obey his commands. Though we
live in a world that promotes “having things your own way,” I learned that
to please the Lord I need to respond to all of his instructions with an
obedient spirit, not just pick those that appeal to me—and this includes
our response to what his Word teaches about hospitality.
- Romans 12:13b says we
are to practice hospitality—literally, to “pursue the love of
strangers” (Heb. 13:2)—not simply to hang out with our best
friends. If we want to demonstrate obedience to our heavenly
Father, we will practice biblical hospitality.
- 1 Peter 4:9 builds on
the instruction to practice hospitality and reminds us that
our attitude is of utmost importance—we are to practice hospitality
without complaining. This verse challenges us to conduct a heart
search to discern whether we’re approaching this opportunity to minister
with a “hearty attitude” (Col. 3:23).
- We
are reminded in Hebrews 13:2 that our
willingness to extend hospitality may have far-reaching implications. If
we study the lives of Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 18:1-3), Lot
(Gen. 19:1–2), Gideon (Judg. 6:11–24), and Manoah (Judges 13:6–20), we learn
that all entertained strangers were actually special messengers from
God. While our motive should never be to give in
order to receive, Luke 6:38 clearly
states the measuring cup we’re to use to dispense our gifts and
talents will be the same one used to provide our own. What’s the size
of your hospitality measuring cup?
- Third John
7–8 challenges us to extend hospitality to those involved in vocational
Christian ministry. It’s exciting to know that as we share our homes
and resources with our Lord’s servants, we become an active part of their
ministries.
- Third John
7–8 challenges us to extend hospitality to those involved in vocational
Christian ministry. It’s exciting to know that as we share our homes
and resources with our Lord’s servants, we become an active part of their
ministries.
- One
of the requirements for individuals involved in church leadership, according
to 1
Timothy 3:1–2 and Titus
1:7–8, is a willingness to allow others to observe
them inside their homes—the arena in which their Christianity is most graphically
revealed. Are you privileged to be in a leadership position in your
church? If so, remember that these verses are qualifications, not
suggestions.