The Lodestar

Hospitality is a virtue the Bible upholds in the Old and New Testaments. It was central to the Christian practice, mentioned in several passages (Rom 12:13; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet 4:9; Heb 13:2).

Though hospitality was very much part of Eastern culture, some very generous people had the privilege of being hosts to angels. The people who entertained angels unawares include Abraham, who hosted the three men who happened to be angels (Gen 18:1—15), Gideon (Judg 6:11-25), and Samson’s parents (13:3–24).

Christian hospitality shows God’s love and grace to others by welcoming them into our homes and lives. Hospitality reflects the gospel as it demonstrates how God has welcomed us into His family through Christ and how we are called to share His blessings with others. Hospitality also helps us to fulfil the Great Commission by reaching out to the lost and making disciples of all nations.

Hospitality makes room for different hosts and guests, especially in a multicultural environment like a university town. Hospitality is not limited to a particular personality type, gift, or resource. Every Christian can practice hospitality by sharing resources and serving as host and guest.

The Bible abounds with examples of hospitality for the sake of the kingdom of God. Sharing possessions (Acts 2:42—47 and 4:32—37) and living in the community is how the disciples of Jesus practised mutual hospitality. They ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.

Lydia’s invitation to Paul and his companions in (Acts 16:11—15) laid the foundation of the Christian community in Philippi. Paul commends Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila, Gaius, and others for their partnership in the gospel and their hospitality. They opened their homes for the saints to meet, risked their lives for the gospel, and supported Paul’s missionary work.

Individualism and hospitality are mutually exclusive. The world is more fragmentary than ever before. However, hospitality builds bridges and helps us become interconnected, enabling us to develop communities that enrich our lives. Opening our homes to strangers is opening their hearts to the gospel.

Have you been a host recently?