Hospitality

Background Scripture: 1 Peter 4; 2 Kings 4
Lesson Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7–11; 2 Kings 4:8–10; Hebrews 13:1–3

Introduction

Hospitality first brings to mind a picture of having friends over, sitting down to a good meal, and enjoying each other’s company. But there are many other ways to show our love to others; hospitality is simply making ourselves available to people’s needs around us. Jesus said a cup of cold water offered in his name would not go unnoticed. The virtue of hospitality is shared through unselfish actions, shown through genuine interest in other people, and practiced when the believer’s heart is open to the people he meets in daily life. It is truly a part of the Christian’s life of service. God fills our hearts with his love, and then we in return share his love with others.

Key Verse

Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine (John 21:12).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The Galilean waters are washing upon the shore, and just up from the water’s edge there is a pile of coals and some baked bread and broiled fish. The night has been spent in vain, but morning has come, and Jesus has shown his power in working yet another miracle for the fishermen—a net full of fish. They recognize Him for who He is, and now He is calling, “Come and dine.” What an invitation! Because we have sat at his table, we can have this same heart toward our neighbors and friends.

In this account, Jesus shows interest in providing for man’s physical needs as He cooks on the shore, but more importantly, a deeper concern about the future needs of his kingdom surfaces. He asks Peter the soul-searching question, “Lovest thou me more than these?” Jesus then uses the opportunity to give a special assignment to Peter, “Feed my lambs” and “Feed my sheep.”

Many years later, this same disciple teaches the believers to be fervent in spirit, walk with soberness and charity, and willingly share of the grace they have received. As we read about Peter’s life, we see that he walked with the purpose and calling that Jesus had given gave many years before on the Galilean shore.

The lady of Shunem is a fitting example for hospitality. She and her husband unselfishly gave of themselves and built a little room for the prophet. The Lord’s blessings eventually overtook this couple. Can we see the opportunities in doing something for someone else, accept the challenge and sacrifice that goes with it, and go to work today?

Sometimes we will be called to touch the life of someone whom we know little about. We are asked to carry a hospitable heart as we go through life, being conscious of needs that suddenly appear. Some are in prison physically, but many are bound spiritually. Are our hearts close to God so that we can “remember them that are in bonds”? Could we share a lunch with someone like the little lad in the Gospels who had something to share? God multiplied it beyond human imagination.

Today, God needs willing servants to be available to those in want. Are you ready to do your part?

Practical Truths for Today

God wants us to have willing hearts that are ready to sacrifice for Him. He uses Holy Spirit-led people to accomplish his plan on earth of sharing the good news of his love. Sharing with others through hospitality is one of the principal ways through which God’s love flows. In the pressures of today, is this virtue being lost?

The Christian has something in his heart he wants to share with others because of the heart-changing gospel of Jesus. When God does his work in our hearts and we are converted, our minds are enlightened, and our countenance is changed. The things we now do and say show that we have been changed. Where once was ill will, forgiveness now reigns. Where we once focused on ourselves, the Lord now helps us to see the needs of others. One of the greatest differences from our old life is the Holy Spirit now dwelling within, guiding and inspiring us as we endeavor to live the Christian life of love and service.

Although it has a social element, Christian hospitality goes much deeper. The soul within craves the need for friendship, companionship, or fellowship in some form or another. As we practice hospitality in our homes, opportunity is created to share about the everyday battles of life in our conversations with fellow Christians. Our days are brightened as we draw strength from one another, and God is honored.

Special effort is needed at times to prepare for company. The Holy Spirit may prompt us to make that sacrifice, but our selfish nature is also right there with excuses of why it does not suit. Be ready to make the time to share with others in hospitality when the Lord suggests it.

It is a blessing to open our homes to a variety of age groups. Inviting elders together with the middle-aged and young in the same setting provides invaluable opportunities to share convictions and to learn from each other. As we cultivate hospitality, we will find that we are the ones who are encouraged and blessed.

As the children of God, let us be alert to the opportunities that will come along in daily living. It could be a business acquaintance that we are impressed to invite in for lunch, a neighbor who has had some misfortune, or even a person we hardly know who crosses our path and may need a word of comfort or courage. This is everyday hospitality. It takes conscious, deliberate thought to be interested in those around us. In giving freely, we will experience the full and satisfying blessings of God. Jesus taught, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38).

The old song “Give Them a Lift” inspires us to service: “A pat on the back, a good word of cheer, will lighten their load while traveling here, Give them a lift . . . ’Twill help them on their way.” 1 If we do not reach out with care to those who need it, who will? We may need to especially ask the Lord to grace us with the ability to practice hospitality in a way that will draw men to Him. The Scripture gives us a simple command, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). We should be careful how we interact with those who do not share our faith, always being encouraging and redemptive. “Behind Christian hospitality is a desire to minister to the guests in a spiritual way.” 2

Young people, be ready to show hospitality to those who visit in your congregation, making them feel welcome with a ready handshake and even in offering accommodations. As a youth group, there are many opportunities to have a hospitable spirit as you reach out to the elderly and to others. God blesses unselfishness.

There is no competition in the true practice of hospitality. When the tables are turned, it is important to graciously receive from another’s generosity. Let us open our hearts so that this virtue can be given and received in sincerity, thereby fulfilling the purpose for which the Lord designed it.

Questions

1. How can we be more spontaneous in our hospitality?
2. What are daily ways to let God’s love flow through us?
3. How can we find time for others when our schedules are already full?
4. How should a congregation be hospitable to visitors?
5. 1 Eugene Wright, “Give Them a Lift,” Inspirational Songs for Men No. 1
6. 2 Bible Doctrine and Practice, p. 296

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).