by Keith Sharp
Albert Dabbs of Humphrey, Arkansas and I spent my first week in Africa in January, 1992 in the home of Brother and Sister Sunday Ayandare in Ibadan, Nigeria. We had with us money from American brethren to pay for all our expenses. We offered to pay Brother Ayandare for giving us food and lodging for the week, but he indignantly refused the offer. He said brethren in Racine, Wisconsin had fed him in their homes and lodged him for a week free of charge. We objected that they were relatively wealthy, and it wasn’t a big sacrifice for them as it was for him. He replied, “Isn’t that what hospitality is?” We sheepishly hushed.
“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” (1 Peter 4:8-9). What does the Bible teach about hospitality?
The adjective translated “hospitable” literally means “kind to strangers” (Mounce. 1304), and is a qualification of elders (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). The noun “hospitality” (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2) also refers to “kindness to strangers, hospitality” (Ibid).
The Hebrew writer reminds us that some people, by being hospitable, unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). Of course Abraham and Sarah did this when the men (the Lord and angels disguised as men) came to their tent, and Abraham and Sarah prepared them a sumptuous meal (Genesis 18:1-8). Lot also unknowingly welcomed angels into his home (Genesis 19:1-3), and Manoah and his wife acted in a similar manner (Judges chapter 13).
The point is that exercising hospitality brings unexpected blessings. Rick Lanning has been a preacher of the gospel for many years. He says one major reason is his parents would keep the visiting preachers in their home, and Rick spent many hours listening to their spiritual conversations in his parents’ home.
Lydia (Acts 16:15), the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:33-34), and Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-3) all shared their homes with strangers and were blessed.
The inspired writers command hospitality as an important expression of our love for one another (Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:8-9).
We must not limit our hospitality to family and friends, who can repay our hospitality (Luke 14:12). Rather, we must share our generosity with “the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind” Luke 14:3-4). Don’t invite folks with the expectation that they will invite you in return” (Ibid). Richard and Sharon Zeiger and Joe and Kaye Davis both had Christians into their homes for several days who could not repay them.
We should show the love of hospitality to the poor and needy (Luke 14:13-14; Job 31:16-17), visitors to our assembly (Hebrews 13:2), fellow Christians (1 Peter 4:9), and visiting preachers; (3 John 5-8). By the way, taking them to a restaurant and keeping them in a motel counts.
Remember what the Samaritan did for the man who had fallen among thieves? (Luke 10:30-35)
We should exercise our hospitality fervently (Romans 12:11, 13) and cheerfully (1 Peter 4:9) rather than half heartedly and grudgingly.
The Lord will richly reward even our small acts of hospitality (Matthew 10:42). On judgment day the Lord will condemn us if we fail to provide for our needy brethren, but he will welcome those who practice these acts of love and hospitality with eternal life (Matthew 25:31-46). Which reward will we receive?
