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Need a Reason to Show Hospitality?

by Steve Klein

Sharing what we have with others, especially those who are in need, is hospitality. As Christians, we are to be "distributing to the needs of the saints" and "given to hospitality." (Romans 12: 13). We are commanded to "be hospitable to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9).

To an increasing degree, Christians in our culture seem to be growing less and less hospitable. The problem could be related to the tremendous prosperity we enjoy in this country - fewer of us are actually in need. Or, maybe it has something to do with the fact that so many are absorbed with their own lives -- their jobs, their homes, and their recreational pursuits. Whatever the cause, it is apparent that we need to be reminded of the reasons God has given us for showing hospitality.

Why YOU should be Hospitable...

To express love. Christians know love because they know Jesus. The love we've received from Him compels us to love one another in real and tangible ways. The apostle John wrote, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3: 16-18).

Because by so doing, others have entertained heavenly guests. Hebrews 13:2 instructs, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." Anytime this verse comes up in a Bible class, someone invariably will ask whether it means that angels could literally be among us today and come into our homes as guests. Whether or not they can, one thing is for sure, when we show hospitality to others, we are truly showing it to a heavenly guest - Jesus Himself. For He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me" (Matthew 25:40).

To be good stewards. Everything we have comes from God and should be used according to His will to accomplish His purposes. Notice the connection between the command to show hospitality in 1 Peter 4:9 and the command to be good steward of God's gifts in verse 10. "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. (10) As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

To promote the gospel. Evangelists have needs, especially those who are laboring full-time in difficult places of the world. By helping them, we become "fellow workers for the truth." (3 John 5-8). We can also use occasions when we are showing hospitality to others, or receiving their hospitality, to share the gospel. Many times Jesus took advantage of such situations to teach the lost and share the gospel of the kingdom (cf. Luke 19:2).

The reasons that God has given us for showing hospitality surely outweigh whatever has been keeping us from it. 

 Other Articles by Steve Klein
Hairpin Curves
The Spirit of the Sadducees
The Bible's Influence on Our Language