by Bud Lambert
Hospitality is an important relationship rule that God expects his children to follow. Paul explains that hospitality is one of the continuing qualifications for elders ( I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) and a characteristic of those presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God ( Romans 12:13). Peter commanded that all Christians show hospitality to other Christians without grudging ( I Peter 4:9). And the Hebrew writer encouraged the Hebrew Christians not to forget to show hospitality to strangers ( Hebrews 13:2). God expects us to be hospitable. But what does that mean?
The Greek word translated hospitality is used only five times in the New Testament, three times by Paul, once by Peter, and once by the Hebrew writer. It is a compound word that, literally translated, means "love to strangers" or kindness to strangers." The word stranger is used both literally and figuratively by the inspired writers. The Hebrew writer uses it literally as kindness to someone not previously acquainted with. Paul and Peter use it figuratively as kindness to someone known, but who has not yet extended a particular kindness to you and who may not return the kindness or even thank you for your kindness. In other words, it is being willing to be the first to extend a kindness to someone. It is not sitting around waiting for someone to something kind to you before you do something kind to them.
Christians should follow the hospitality rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," instead of the selfish, hedonistic rule "Do unto others as they do unto you." Relationships based on the hospitality rule will be more godly, trusting, intimate, warm, and satisfying.
Exercise:
1. Identify those in the church, or in your family, you have difficulty being kind to.
2. Be honest with yourself and identify why this is difficult for you.
3. List three ways you can show hospitality to them this year.