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Hospitality & Visiting Just a week ago we had a Bible Class that dealt with the practice of hospitality. After talking about it for a while, the point was made that often we think of hospitality as having a get together or throwing a party and having people into our homes. But the word implies more than being friendly and eating together. This got me to thinking about how the Bible uses the words hospitality and visiting. Hospitality literally means "lover of strangers." In Genesis we read of three angels that appeared as men before Abraham. Abraham pleaded for the men to stop and be refreshed. He had cakes made and a calf butchered. It was only afterward that Abraham found out the true nature of these men. But we see in Abraham a man that showed love toward strangers. The Jewish culture considered it a privilege, but also a responsibility to practice hospitality. The Jews were expected to travel to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Passover, and the Feast of Booths. These required them to travel and most of this travel was over a period of days or weeks. While there were inns for lodging, one could not depend on finding one every day or night. There was also the need for food and finding a place to eat. Finding a place to lodge and eat was not always easy. Therefore, Jews were expected to open their homes to fellow Jews. Such hospitality can be seen in 2 Kings 4. A Shunammite woman saw the prophet Elisha pass by on a regular basis. She and her husband offered him a place to sleep, a table and chair, and a lamp stand, verse 10. There was nothing extravagant or fancy about the accommodations, but they were needed. In Romans 12, Paul lists some responsibilities of Christians. In verse 13, he lists "given to hospitality." It is one thing to show kindness to those we know, it is another to show kindness to strangers. Let me state that showing kindness and hospitality to a stranger does not mean you give them the keys to your house. We are to practice common sense in extending hospitality. However, we can show kindness toward those we do not know. During the first years of my preaching, I did a lot of "appointment preaching." This often required me to travel a good distance to a congregation where I had never been before. Often a family would invite me to have dinner with them or even stay Saturday and Sunday night with them. They did not know me personally, but they knew something about me and opened their homes to me. One hindrance we often face in showing hospitality is not being ready to show it. We see a Christian couple at church that could use a place to stay or a meal, but we’re not ready. We don't want them to come and see our messy house or have leftovers, so we do nothing. The Shunammite woman offered Elisha only the basic necessities. It was nothing fancy, but it was needed. I used to say that a peanut butter sandwich you have is better than a steak you don't have. Those who truly need it will be happy to have your leftovers or sleep on the couch. On the other hand, hospitality is also used in referring to those we do know. "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4.9). It appears the writer is referring to those we do know. We do need to spend time with each other. While this may include offering a place to stay and food to eat, it may also include playing games and just talking. Regena and I have housed a number of preachers during our marriage, usually during Gospel Meetings. Some of my favorite memories of those meetings were getting to know these men. This kind of hospitality may be more social in nature, but it is necessary. We get to know one another, build each other up, and build our friendships. The other word I want to briefly discuss is the word "visit." This is connected to extending hospitality in that we are helping others. Usually we use the word "visit" to mean to go and see someone. But the word in the Bible means to provide what is needed, or to relieve one in affliction. In James 1.27 we are told to "visit the orphans and widows in their trouble." This means we are to roll up our sleeves and do what is necessary to help them. Such "visiting" may mean mowing their yard, or washing their clothes, or preparing a meal, or doing a host of other things. In extending hospitality and visiting those in trouble, both parties are being helped. The one receiving the aid will be thankful and grateful. Those helping others will be blessed in doing what God expects from us. -- Dennis Tucker |