The Often Neglected Gift... Hospitality

In the hurried, isolated, and self-centered pace of our society, the matter spoken of in 3 John verses 1-5 is often neglected.  In this passage, believers are being encouraged and instructed to reach out to those in need.  In Bible times, traveling evangelists, traveling missionaries, and others in need were given lodging and food by caring believers since there were not numerous places to stay like today.  

Great blessings and joy of heart are for those who take the time, effort, and funds to invest in others by giving them a good meal and perhaps a bed for the night.  When I was growing up, this was one of the things that my parents were very good at doing.  Although we did not have an abundance, there was always enough for someone in need as my father and mother were ready to open our table and home for a missionary, traveling preacher, or just a visitor who was in need. It was my great joy to sit at the table and listen to many of God’s choice workers because my parents were sensitive enough to give these people a place at our table.

Of course, this matter of hospitality is not limited to traveling preachers and missionaries, although there are plenty of them, we also should consider those of our close friends, neighbors, and fellow church members who are in need.  The need may be a meal and shelter, but it also may be the need for fellowship and spending time with other believers.  Many churches have instituted a program where members are encouraged at certain times of the month to invite a family over for a snack or meal.  This is a good idea, but have we missed something when we must put it in the schedule to be hospitable?  What about the Love of Christ compelling us to share what God has so graciously given to us with others?  What about doing unto others as we would have them do unto us?  Shouldn’t we just “act” like Christians?  I have heard stories about missionary families traveling around the country presenting their burden and desire to serve the Lord and then having to sleep in their car or go without meals because no one reached out to them in “hospitality.” 

Let’s restore hospitality to our lives again and pray for God to direct us in ministering to others. What a joy it is to be God’s representative and hand in the life of those in need.

To share in ministering to others brings God’s blessings, the joy of heart, new (and often life-long) friends, and new doors of ministry.

So, whom would God have you invite to your house for dinner?  Do you know a missionary or traveling preacher that is needed today?  Hospitality is the joy and blessing of meeting the needs of others as God’s messenger of peace.