Hospitality

Tonight I’d like talk to you about one of the most important practices that a Christian can engage in, that of Hospitality.

Once upon a time, I was under the impression that Hospitality was one of the Spiritual Gifts and I didn’t have it. I didn’t like the idea of speaking to people I didn’t know let alone the thought of inviting them into my house. To say that I ‘didn’t like it’ is to put it mildly. The idea terrified me. And so for the longest time I rejected the notion, put it aside for some other people more “gifted” in that area than I, because, after all, it wasn’t required.

A few years ago, my family and I visited a cousin of mine who was into all things British, including tea. She told us before we came that she would hold a “high tea” for us which means she would pull out all of the fancy cups, the table cloth, and provide cucumber sandwiches, cookies and cakes. I wasn’t against it, but I did have the typical response that I am now on the receiving end of. “Oh, you don’t have to go to all that trouble…”. Naturally, being originally from the South, she ignored me and carried on. And I thank God to this day that she did.

She took us in, sat us down, and over finger sandwiches and tiny cookies we discovered the wonder of hospitality on the receiving end. We took an hour or two to sit, rest, talk, and enjoy the tasty food as well as well as one another. We stood up refreshed and encouraged, and we asked one question, “Why don’t we do this anymore?” The value was obvious to us in its affect within us.

A couple of years ago, my wife and I realized that in the New Testament, Hospitality is not, in fact, optional.

When a lawyer asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus asks him what does the law say about it. The lawyer declared “Love the LORD your God with all your heart mind soul and strength and your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus congratulated him and said “Do this and you shall live. The lawyer than, in order to justify himself asked, “Who is my neighbor” and Jesus tells him the story of the Good Samaritan who practices extreme Hospitality and tells the Lawyer to go and do likewise.

John chapter 13 tells us that at the last supper Jesus instituted a new commandment. “Love one another as I have loved you.” In the many ways He loved his disciples, that night He had provided food, drink, and washed their feet as a humble host when He was the King of Kings.

In the first century the practice of hospitality was so basic that they met with one another daily, in their own homes, shared food and prayed. Hospitality was such an integral part of Christian life, so implied, that Paul and Peter both mention it as a requirement for an elder. Interestingly, a history of hospitality was also a requirement for the widows to be on the roll for daily donation, up there with other acts such as foot washing, helping those in trouble, and devotion to performing good deeds.

Now, meeting for fellowship time before or after church is nice. Studying the word together is Sunday school is beneficial. Meeting here for Family Meal is one of my favorite activities that our church puts on. However, as those in my small group can tell you, there is something tangibly different that happens when we meet in…our…homes. And I understand the hesitation. As I said before, the idea of it terrified me, but it is a command. We had no option but to figure out how to open our home. We bit the bullet, sent out an invitation, wrung our hands, and followed the example of my cousin years ago. We put a nice tablecloth on our battered table, set out some nice tea cups, and trusted the LORD. Every time we are nervous, wondering what we have to offer, why the person would be interested, and if the house is clean enough. And every time, the Holy Spirit shows up and it turns into a very special time of encouragement and unity.

This is how we Christians are called to bond. This is how we are to create unity. This is how we lean on one another, love one another, and spur one another to love and good deeds. This is how we live in the Kingdom. Hospitality with one another., in our homes As the days grow darker, Jesus words could not be more clear, “By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

I encourage you all to take the step, embrace the awkwardness and anxiety, and practice hospitality. Love one another as Christ has loved you. And remember that love doesn’t happen at arms length.