BE HOSPITABLE. 1st Peter 4:9 We show the Lord’s kindness when we extend genuine hospitality. That is one way we demonstrate love that displays God’s glory. Christian living involves clarity of mind and action so that we are effective in our prayer life. Fervent love enables us to bring genuine blessings to others. By showing hospitality, we demonstrate the Lord’s kindness to us by showing it to others. When we use our God-given gifts to minister to others, we reflect the grace of God that has been ministered to us. Spiritual gifts have been given to us as stewards of God's grace. The "manifold grace of God" tells us that there are many areas of life in which God's grace provides for our needs and, through us, for the needs of others.
Christian hospitality focuses on the guests, not the host or the state of the home. The needs of the guests vary: some are travelers who need a place to stay and food to eat without expecting payment. At other times, a guest needs someone to listen to them and accept them as they are. There are many ways to provide hospitality, which is essentially meeting the needs of others, even if it is inconvenient to us. This is one way of showing fervent love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Love and hospitality go together as we reach out to those we know who are in need.
The Lord Jesus taught that His disciples should “wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” When we help those in trouble and do good for others in need, we show hospitality.
One of the qualifications of an elder is that they must be hospitable. This doesn’t only mean being hospitable to travelers, but also involves knowing, observing, or hearing about those who are lonely or in a difficult time and may not let others know about their situation. It is important to be generous, courteous, and hospitable to others, even if they are strangers to us.
Hospitality is another of the Christian graces that Peter specifically addresses as a practical expression of love. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me,” said Jesus. Some people have entertained angels and never knew it. A cup of cold water given in the Lord’s name is an act of hospitality, and He will reward the giver. Those who receive a prophet will be rewarded by the prophet. Hospitality “without grumbling,” resentment, complaint, or restraint, is a true act of grace on the part of a believer.
They came unexpectedly – a family of four, looking for information as one stood at the door. They wanted directions to a safe place to stay. Their plan was to camp out there for just a few days. But the lady of the house quietly said to her husband, “Tell them to come here. The parents and baby can use our room. The other two children can use the room close by – we will sleep in the parlor – you and I. They look like they need a rest and a friend or two.” It is obvious God sent them for me and you.”
Year after year, that same family came. More children came, too, and all were welcomed the same way. Friendship and fellowship grew deep and strong. Both families were glad when they came along. Then the children grew older and gradually moved away. After a while, only the husband and wife came to stay. But the grace each couple shared had given the children light, and they knew the value of a welcome for just a few nights. Now the children and grandchildren do the same for others – they learned hospitality from their fathers and mothers.
My parents have now died – they’re gone to their reward. The other man and his wife told us what they were shown. They, too, are gone now, but both left a righteous legacy of two families to whom hospitality is firmly in their minds. It is well for us to remember that we serve God when we serve man – hospitality is one way to do for God what we can. It is a significant act to show kindness with no ulterior motive. Some have – maybe you – served with an unknown angel.