What Does Christian Hospitality Mean?
Without a doubt, Jesus is our example of Christian hospitality. Throughout his earthly ministry, he ate with sinners and taught us to welcome strangers. Even though Peter betrayed him, Jesus prepared breakfast for him as well as for his other disciples.
Christianity hospitality med to show love and be kind at all cost to humanity. Hospitality is our sacred duty and includes welcoming one another into our lives and homes. But what is motivating all of this attention upon it today?
First, there’s a decline in church congregations. The reality is that our churches aren’t as welcoming as we thought they were. And second, those who are called by Christ to build communities detest sin rather than love the sinners.
This makes it seem like leaders just interested in getting more people into the pews. So, beware of false Christian hospitality. Unfortunately, sometimes those who claim to be Christian and offering hospitality, it’s really just for certain people.
The Church and Christian Hospitality
Throughout the Bible, hospitality is a consistent and constant theme. God commanded the Hebrews to remember their exile and oppression in Egypt. He wanted it to motivate hospitality to foreigners.
Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you is a command of hospitality. It’s also not new to the New Testament. (Matthew 7:12)
1 Peter 4:9 is specifically about Christians allowing Christian workers, traveling ministers. And fellow followers of Jesus to stay in their homes as they traveled. “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (ESV) It also highlights a general biblical principle to love one another sacrificially, as serving one another is akin to serving Christ. (Matthew 24:34-46)
Don’t let the renewed interest in hospitality become just another church growth gimmick like free gas cards a decade ago. Or the apple pies for visitors a decade before that.
I’m praying that hospitality will become the defining characteristic of Christians and churches in our community, And wherever the name of Jesus is proclaimed.