Hospitality is closely related to courtesy, selflessness, deference, and friendliness. It implies a special type of kindness put into action. Perhaps the best way to understand hospitality is to discuss what it is not.
Hospitality is the exact opposite of selfishness. We live in a world full of selfish people of all ages. When selfish children are at school, they do not have time to help other students with their work. They want to finish their own work and have no desire to help someone else. When these selfish children are at home, they may see that a little brother or sister is in need of help, or they may see that their mom or dad is in need of help, but they walk away or simply ignore the situation. Most of the time, it is these very people who later find themselves in need of help, and when no one shows any interest in helping them, they get angry and throw a fit, exclaiming, “No one will help me or be nice to me!” Selfish children, unfortunately, usually grow up to be selfish adults. Yes, we live in a world of selfish people, but that does not mean that you and I have to be like that. We must learn and help our children to learn to share or give of our things and our time to others. This is simple hospitality.
When we give time or resources to help someone else or simply to build a friendship, we are showing that person the love of Christ. Opportunities for this do not always come at the most convenient moment; it may be a time when you are in a hurry or short on cash. However, if you develop a mindset of looking for these hospitality opportunities, you can more easily be prepared to offer it. Remember that hospitality is simply giving and sharing. Even if you do not have much to offer, your spirit of selflessness will go a long way toward making the recipient feel special and loved.
One fine example of hospitality in the Bible is a girl named Rebekah. As Abraham grew older and his son Isaac grew up, the time came for Isaac to be married. Abraham wanted to help Isaac find the perfect bride for him. Abraham sent his trusted servant to his home country to find the girl for his only son. When the servant and the camels arrived after their long journey, they rested near the town’s water well. Since it was evening, he knew most of the women would come to draw water. The servant also knew that his mission could only be accomplished by God’s help, so he prayed, asking God to show him the specific girl he was supposed to choose. The servant prayed that the right girl would be one who would give him a drink of water from her pitcher and would also water the camels without begin asked. While he was still praying, Rebekah ventured out to fetch some water for her family. When Abraham’s servant looked up, God prompted him to go ask her. When this stranger approached beautiful Rebekah, asking for a drink of water, she gave it to him. She then noticed that he was traveling with camels. She offered to water his camels! She also invited him to come and eat at her father’s house. Everything worked out exactly as the servant had prayed. He immediately knew that she was the one for Isaac. Abraham’s servant showered her with jewelry and gifts. He met her father and explained the whole story, and her father was willing for her to go. Rebekah was excited to marry Isaac and become part of Abraham’s family.
God rewarded Rebekah for her hospitable spirit, and He will reward us also, sometimes when we least expect it!
MEMORY VERSE
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” I Peter 4:9