Is hospitality required?
Introduction. The main noun translated hospitality in the New Testament means "love of strangers" (philoxenia, philos, loving, and xenos, a stranger). One example of hospitality is seen in the case of Abraham. Abraham saw three men (strangers) and he "ran to meet them" and begged them to enter his dwelling for refreshment and food (Gen. 18: 1-5). It turned out that these "men" were angels, sent by God (Ibid.). The writer of Hebrews wrote, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Heb. 13: 1).
America is not given to hospitality. Many Americans are so busy living their own lives that little thought is ever given to hospitality. Restaurants and an abundance of hotels have also, in general, replaced biblical hospitality. Too many will not "give the time of day to a stranger." The stranger in our society has become an enemy and person to avoid. The "good Samaritan" is another good example of one who expressed love to a person whom he did not know. The Samaritan "had compassion" on the destitute stranger (Luke 10: 33, 30-37). He bound his wounds and brought him to an inn, "and took care of him" (vs. 34). Jesus' lesson is, "Go, and do thou likewise" (vs. 37).
Hospitality is required. One qualification for the overseers of local churches is "given to hospitality" (2 Tim. 3: 2). In fact, Christians in general are to be "given to hospitality" (Rom. 12: 13). Not only are Christians to be hospitable, but they are to cheerfully exercise hospitality (1 Pet. 4: 9).
A balance needed. One is to provide for one's own (1 Tim. 5: 8). In so doing, we do not want to expose our families to those who would abuse our love. Hence, we must exercise some caution regarding "taking in strangers." Nonetheless, we should look for opportunities to express our love for others. It has been well remarked that "hospitality is a lost art that needs to be restored."
America is not given to hospitality. Many Americans are so busy living their own lives that little thought is ever given to hospitality. Restaurants and an abundance of hotels have also, in general, replaced biblical hospitality. Too many will not "give the time of day to a stranger." The stranger in our society has become an enemy and person to avoid. The "good Samaritan" is another good example of one who expressed love to a person whom he did not know. The Samaritan "had compassion" on the destitute stranger (Luke 10: 33, 30-37). He bound his wounds and brought him to an inn, "and took care of him" (vs. 34). Jesus' lesson is, "Go, and do thou likewise" (vs. 37).
Hospitality is required. One qualification for the overseers of local churches is "given to hospitality" (2 Tim. 3: 2). In fact, Christians in general are to be "given to hospitality" (Rom. 12: 13). Not only are Christians to be hospitable, but they are to cheerfully exercise hospitality (1 Pet. 4: 9).
A balance needed. One is to provide for one's own (1 Tim. 5: 8). In so doing, we do not want to expose our families to those who would abuse our love. Hence, we must exercise some caution regarding "taking in strangers." Nonetheless, we should look for opportunities to express our love for others. It has been well remarked that "hospitality is a lost art that needs to be restored."