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Embracing Biblical Hospitality: The Hands & Feet of Jesus


In our fast-paced, often isolated world, the concept of hospitality can feel like a quaint relic of the past. Perhaps it conjures images of perfectly set dinner tables or grand guest rooms. But from a Christian perspective, hospitality is far more profound than social etiquette or elaborate entertaining. It's a vibrant expression of God's love, deeply rooted in Scripture and vital to the health of our communities and our own spiritual walk. Let me illustrate…


We love camping! Last year we got a little rPod to pull behind the Jeep. This allows us to stop wherever (and whenever) in our travels. It’s much cheaper than a motel room to stay in the camper and Lily (our beloved doodle) is right at home. There is great freedom and peace of mind staying in your own space every night. All we need is a place to plug In a power cord and a water hose. Easy peasy.


Last week Misty and I made a trip to Missouri to visit family and attend my brother’s wedding. A few times during the trip we had friends and family (along the route) begging us to stop in for a visit. We, of course, couldn’t stop to visit each one but it reminded us of how many loved ones we had between Foley, AL and Rogersville, MO. I am confident we’ve got hundreds of friends that would have taken us into their homes if we needed to stop or provide us a spot to park the camper.


One of our favorite things to do in our travels is to visit churches of Christ. On our way home we wanted to stop in Tupelo for Sunday night services. We chose the West Main congregation because we wanted to see Kerry & Lenora Williams (a very gifted preacher and his sweet wife). While searching their website for service times we noticed they have an RV hook-up for weary travelers needing an overnight stay. We took advantage of that invitation. What a hospitable and gracious offer! We took advantage of that opportunity. What a blessing.


The New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of hospitality. It's not merely a suggestion, but a command and a mark of genuine faith. I wonder what we can do to be more hospitable as individuals and as a church family. Are we staying true to the pattern and principles of the first century church? How can we be more welcoming?


Hospitality Is A Reflection of Godly Character


At its core, Christian hospitality is a reflection of God Himself. Consider how God welcomes us: undeserving sinners, into His presence, offering grace, forgiveness, and an eternal home. He is the ultimate host, extending boundless love and acceptance. When we practice hospitality, we are mirroring His character to a world desperately in need of belonging.


Likewise, the hospitality of Jesus transcended mere social custom; it was a radical expression of divine love and inclusion. He consistently welcomed those whom society had rejected – tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes, and the sick – often sharing meals with them, an act that deeply scandalized the religious elite of His day (Luke 15:2). Jesus broke down social barriers, extending compassion and dignity to marginalized individuals like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) or Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector, inviting Himself to his home (Luke 19:5-7).


The Lord clearly wanted His disciples to practice genuine hospitality. In His final hours, at the Last Supper, He served His disciples, washing their feet (John 13:4-5), a humble act of hospitality that demonstrated the depth of His love and selflessness. His life was a living testament to the truth that true hospitality sees not just the physical presence of a person, but their inherent worth and spiritual need, offering not just a meal or a bed, but the transforming embrace of God's grace.


Hospitality Is A Hallmark of the Christian Faith


The book of Acts reveals several key principles and examples of the Christian faith. One that stands out to me is when selecting church leaders hospitality is a qualification (Acts 6:1-7, I Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8). Not a suggestion or a recommendation, but a direct command. If men have not practiced hospitality they are unqualified to be appointed as elders. Shepherds are counselors and encouragers by their very nature. Hospitality is in their spiritual DNA.


In Romans 12:13 the apostle Paul said, "distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." This verse directly links hospitality with meeting the needs of fellow believers, suggesting an active and generous spirit. It's not about waiting for someone to ask, but actively looking for opportunities to serve.


The author of Hebrews said, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2).  This is a powerful reminder that our acts of hospitality, even to those we don't know, can have unexpected and divine implications. It encourages us to see every person as a potential vessel for God's work, and to extend kindness without prejudice.


The apostle Peter, who witnessed the ministry of Jesus, said "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (I Peter 4:9). This verse adds an important caveat: true hospitality is offered with a cheerful heart, not grudgingly. It's a genuine desire to serve and bless others, free from complaint or resentment. This speaks to the attitude behind our actions, emphasizing that the spirit in which we offer hospitality is as important as the act itself.


Don’t forget what the beloved apostle John said in III John 5-8 where he commends Gaius for his hospitality towards traveling missionaries, calling it "a faithful work." It highlights how hospitality can directly support the spread of the Gospel and encourages us to be "fellow workers for the truth." This demonstrates that hospitality can be a vital component of ministry, enabling others to carry out God's work.


Hospitality Is Evidence of the Hands & Feet of Christ


While sharing meals and opening our homes are wonderful expressions of hospitality, the biblical concept extends far beyond this. First, we need to open our hearts. Being genuinely interested in others, listening attentively, and offering emotional support will change lives.


We need to open our resources. We must share our time, talents, and possessions to meet the needs of others. This could be providing a room, preparing food, helping someone move, offering a ride, or simply lending a listening ear. What would Jesus do?


Hospitality is about opening our lives and bearing fruit. Being vulnerable, authentic, and creating a safe space for others to be themselves, free from judgment, is what the world is starving for. People need real connections. They need to get attached to the True Vine.


The church of Christ must welcome the marginalized. We need to be intentionally reaching out to those who are often overlooked, forgotten, or on the fringes of society. How do we treat the lonely, the stranger, and the "least of these" among us?


The True Blessing of Hospitality


Practicing biblical hospitality not only blesses those we serve but also brings immense blessings to us. It fosters deeper relationships, builds community, and cultivates a spirit of generosity. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones, trust God for provision, and experience the joy of selfless giving. Ultimately, it draws us closer to the heart of God, who Himself is the epitome of welcome and love.


So, let us look for opportunities to practice hospitality in our daily lives. Whether it's a kind word, an open door, or a shared meal, every act of genuine welcome can be a powerful testimony to the transforming love of Christ. Let's make our lives a reflection of His boundless hospitality.  Let’s be the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus Christ.


You are loved.

Ray Reynolds, PhD



 
 
 

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