Invitation to Christ’s Hospitality

Hospitality is the act of extending kindness to others without any expectations, even if they are strangers to us. This can be expressed in different forms, including providing food, shelter and comfort. Hospitality is also an act of love and generosity that reflects our LORD’s heart. It is an invitation to share our blessings and provide care for others. By being hospitable, we imitate God’s kindness and express our gratitude for all our blessings.

The Bible is full of stories that teach us about hospitality. Genesis 18:1-10 records Abraham welcoming three strangers into his tent and providing them with food and water. Although he did not know who they were, he welcomed them with open arms, provided them with food and water, and even went out of his way to offer them a place to rest. Further, he does all this quickly so as to not stall his guests. Much later we learn that he had entertained angels without knowing. Additionally, through his hospitable nature, Abraham gets to know the time of birth of his son.

The author of the epistle to Hebrews recalls this incident while instructing the church to continue to show hospitality and encourages them to show love to strangers and to remember those who are in prison or suffering.

Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:1-2

Jesus also exemplified hospitality in His ministry, giving us an example to follow. He often ate with “sinners” and tax collectors, showing them love and acceptance. In John 21:1-14, Jesus himself invites his disciples to a breakfast of fish and bread on the shore. Through his hospitality here, Jesus reminded the disciples that he is always ready to receive them and provide for them. This simple act of hospitality revitalized the disciples and enabled them to carry out their mission on earth. By extension, we are also invited by Jesus Christ to receive his provision, to be filled with his love and to carry out the will of the Father on earth.

In today’s world, it is easy to get lost and desensitized about the constant rise of negative things. It is truly a challenge to remain positive, but it is attainable through Christ. The joy of salvation and the understanding of the LORD’s love will radiate from us like a candle in the dark. It is through hospitality that we can overcome the hostility in the world. A few kind words, non judgemental ears, empathetic eyes, and the desire to help out our neighbor is all that is needed to understand and provide for the ones in need. Let’s step up to be more hospitable, by opening our hearts and homes to others, reflecting the selfless love of Christ and testify goodness we received, thereby making a positive impact in the lives of those around us.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:9-18