Our discussion of the love we are to have for each other is continued with the consideration of hospitality. The Greek word for hospitable is philoxenos and consists of two parts: philo indicates love or affection; and xenos is the Greek word for stranger. A love for strangers. It was used in Bible times to indicate a fondness of guests, or to be given to hospitality.
This is a characteristic to which God gives great emphasis. It was an integral part of ancient culture, and its value is shown time and again in scripture. Both in teaching and example. “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). When we speak of hospitality, it is not limited only to strangers. In fact, it is an important part of our relationship with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a part of the intimacy God wants us to develop. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).
God has specifically commanded us to be hospitable. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:10-13). This has always been God’s expectation of His people. Under the Old Covenant He put it to the Israelites in this way, “And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:33-34). This is an aspect of the holiness that is to be a mark of God’s children. “I am the LORD your God.”
Hospitality is so important it is described as a litmus test, separating the faithful from the ungodly. In Matthew 25, Jesus said the faithful are those who showed kindness to strangers: “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me” (Matthew 25:35-36) … (40) “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” The entire text is (31-46).
Regarding hospitality as a family in Christ, the Holy Spirit is clear in supplying examples. Paul was a frequent recipient of this. In Philippi a newly baptized Christian named Lydia said to Paul and Silas, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay” (Acts 16:15). Later in the same city Paul and Silas were imprisoned. We are told that the jailor after obeying the gospel, “brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household” (Acts 16:34). In Thessalonica, it seems that Paul and his companions resided in the house of a Christian named Jason (cf. Acts 17:5-9), and Acts 18 notes his residing in the house of Priscilla and Aquila. “So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tent-makers” (Acts 18:3).
One wonderful aspect of hospitality is though it is a physical activity, by offering such physical benefit to faithful children of God, you participate in a spiritual relationship or fellowship. This is taught negatively in John’s second epistle (9-11), “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” It is taught positively by Paul in Philippians 4:15-17, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”
We can show hospitality in many ways. We can take a meeting preacher out for dinner, or have him stay in our home. We can let brethren passing through reside in our spare bedroom. We can help a needy brother or sister by supplying food or shelter for a more lengthy period of time. Often our hospitality has an aspect of benevolence, as we are able to express our love for one who has a specific need. It must be an outgrowth of our love for each other. Jesus said, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:12-14).
Hospitality is one of the most joyous ways to strengthen one another. It is of God’s design. God created man as a social creature, and by associating with brethren we each become stronger and better able to serve Him!
