Acts 2: 42, 46, 47
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
As one with the spiritual gift of hospitality, I have had many opportunities to use the gift both in the church and in our home. Early on, I was prone to give in to perfectionism until I learned God’s view of this gift and how He encourages and equips us to be used through it. Let’s look at what God’s Word says about hospitality. Scripture mentions it in numerous places so it must be important to Him:
• 1 Timothy 3:2, it is one of the qualifications listed for elder.
• Genesis 19:1: We see hospitality illustrated when Lot offered safe shelter to two strangers who turned out to be angels.
• Luke 14: 12-14: Jesus encouraged the listeners not to invite anyone with the expectation that they will be repaid in some way but, rather, to invite those who are not in a position to repay—the poor, the lame or the blind.
• Hebrews: 13:2: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”
There are also many examples of women who opened their homes to the disciples as they continued their mission to share the gospel after Jesus’ resurrection. The first thing I had to come to grips with was to follow their example and not fall into the trap of following any other model—I am not Martha Stewart! Let’s look at the contrast of views here:
• The world’s model, which is inspired by magazines, TV, and famous personalities is to entertain, to impress people with our home, decorating, and cooking.
• The biblical model, which is inspired by the Word of God, is to offer hospitality, to seek to minister and serve others, to encourage and provide a refuge, a shelter in the storms of life.
Whether you possess the gift or not, we can all benefit from knowing God’s view and how each one of us can be used to offer genuine hospitality to others. Tomorrow we’ll look more closely at the biblical model of hospitality and how we can minister to others in practical ways.
Father, we thank You for the model of hospitality you have made clear to us in scripture. Open our hearts and help us seek ways to minister to others with genuine hospitality that offers a warm welcome to anyone You bring to our door. Use us, we pray, for Your sake and in Your name. Amen
~ painting by Edward Antoon Portielje
