Brave in Hospitality & to be Generous
Exactly what is hospitality anyway?
Hospitality. Biblical concept often used with the terms “guest,” “stranger,” and “sojourner.” It is useful to limit the meaning of “hospitality” to benevolence done to those outside one’s normal circle of friends, as is implied in the literal meaning of the Greek word (“love of strangers”). Although the concept is thoroughly endorsed in the Bible, it is clearly found in nonbiblical cultures as well, especially the nomadic, where definite obligations to provide food, shelter, and protection are recognized.
The normal exercise of hospitality in the OT can be seen in the examples of Abraham and the three visitors (Gn 18:2–8, 16), Laban’s reception of Abraham’s servant (24:15–61), and Manoah’s treatment of the angel (Jgs 13:15), but there are also cases in which the host felt compelled to take extreme steps to protect his guest, even to the harm of his own family (Gn 19:1–8; Jgs 19:14–25). The hospitality of the Shunammite family is also noteworthy, although Elisha was no stranger to them (2 Kgs 4:10).
In the NT Jesus relies on the general practice of hospitality in sending out the disciples (Lk 10:7) and in his own travels. As the gospel was spread by traveling missionaries, Christians were commended for entertaining them in their homes (Heb 13:2; 1 Pt 4:9; 3 Jn 5–8). Church leaders must not exempt themselves from this ministry (1 Tm 3:2; Ti 1:8); to do so is grounds for judgment (Mt 25:43).