Hospitality

September 2, 2018

"Hospitality was specifically commanded by God (Lev. 19:33-34, Luke 14:13-14, Rom. 12:13) It was to be characteristic of all believers (1 Peter 4:9). Jesus emphasized the importance of hospitality by answering the question of who should inherit the kingdom:"I was a stranger and you took me in." (Matt. 25:35)....Guests were welcomed and provided for. A host would go to great lengths to protect his guests (Judges 19:16-24). This was considered a sign of faithfulness to God (Job 31:32)" (Taken from Nelsons dictionary of the bible pgs. 492-493)

" ... if she has brought up children, 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."( 1 Timothy 5:10) In this verse Paul is advising Timothy on the guide lines for allowing a widow to become part of the church and for receiving benefits from the church. These seem rather harsh conditions for a church to require in order to receive help ! Look closely at the list. Paul wanted to make sure she was a Christian with a servants heart ! One of those was to "lodge strangers" or hospitality !  We can now see that hospitality is a product of a changed heart AND a requirement from God.

In 1 Peter 4:8-9  " And above all things have fervent love for one another for "love will cover a multitude of sins." Be hospitable to one another without grumbling .." The Greek word for hospitable means "love of strangers".  In Paul's day hospitality meant opening ones home for strangers like traveling preachers and also opening ones home for church services ! Once again we see that hospitality is mentioned right after love. Not only love but fervent love ! With a reminder that love will cover a multitude of sins. Therefor love is not only practical when applied but also reworded by God.