Hospitality 101

Hospitality is typically viewed as having people over for dinner; however, hospitality is so much more. A more dictionary style definition from Justin Kuravackal defines basic hospitality as "treating a stranger as equal to the host by creating space for him to be protected, provided for, taken care of, all of which is followed by assisting and guiding him on to his next destination." How do these definitions hold up to the biblical principle of hospitality?

Biblical hospitality seems to be primarily focused on Christians treating strangers or outsiders very well. This means us treating as equals those people we might not typically associate with. This could be other families in your church or neighborhood, visiting Christians, or displaced unbelievers. The idea is that we honor and care for those whom we might not normally be in relationship with.

We see many biblical examples of hospitality. In the beginning, God created a place, then he created man and put him in that place. This was the first act of hospitality. Another example is Rahab inviting the spies to stay in her house. Of course, the bulk of our understanding of biblical hospitality will come from the New Testament.

Two primary passages regarding hospitality for strangers can be found in Matthew's description of Jesus' life: Matt 5:43-48 and Matt 25:34-40. The implications of these passages are very clear: we are to care for everyone around us, regardless of their opinion of us or their connection to us. It doesn't matter if you know the person or if you like the person; you are still called to love the person and be hospitable towards them. Some practical implications can be made to our current culture. Why not invite the annoying neighbor over for dinner? Shouldn't you know and see how you can help every neighbor in your subdivision? Why not take your nemesis at work out to lunch? How can you assist the guy or gal a few cubicles down from you? Hospitality to strangers involves knowing, loving, welcoming, and caring for everyone you encounter. God is sovereign in regard to who he brings across your path, we need to consider this everyday.

Hospitality towards those we are friends with will look very similar to hospitality towards strangers or enemies; however, it can be far more focused and intentional due to our existing relationship. We see hospitality towards friends exhibited by Jesus at the last supper. Here he fulfilled the responsibilities which should have reserved for the host by caring for the disciples, even to the point of washing their feet (Jn 13:12-15). Many times hospitality towards friends means being willing to meet their needs, even to the point of humbling ourselves to accomplish the lowliest of tasks on their behalf. This could mean cleaning up their kid's puke or willingly allowing them to let them talk about themselves the entire time.

Regardless of your prior relationship or lack thereof with a person or family, hospitality always involves viewing someone else as more important than yourself. I love Jeff Vanderstelt's description that hospitality is essentially "giving space to allow people to be, become, and do." Of course, space could refer to physical, emotional, or any other kind of space that may be required. So, the question becomes, what does this person need? Other questions are, what will be restful, relaxing, and enjoyable for this person? How can I best care for this person? How can I create space for this person to be his true self?

One thing is for sure, hospitality is not about entertaining, impressing, or controlling guests in your home. Such ideas are both unbiblical and sinful. We have to forget the prideful, penetrating mindset of our culture that attempts to do whatever is necessary to impress others. This mindset asks, What will impress this person? What kind of house, car, meal, or whatever will make this person or family think well of me? This is pride, which is sin, not hospitality. Biblical hospitality should be centered around love for one another; unfortunately, most modern "hospitality" is centered around pride. 

One of the primary questions to ask regarding hospitality: What are your motives? Are you trying to impress? Are you checking one item off of your good Christian's "to do" list? Of course, you have to even be practicing hospitality before you can check your motives, so start practicing hospitality.

• Much of this information has been modified from several sermons and training sessions at Soma Communities.