Hospitality is often misunderstood. Hospitality is not having a perfectly decorated home where you serve gourmet food. In this message, Tiffany Nunnally shares the truth about biblical hospitality.
What is biblical hospitality?
Biblical hospitality is opening your home and your life to those you don’t already know, and serving them by providing food and fellowship, so you can positively influence their relationship with Jesus.
Hospitality is commanded in scripture:
Leviticus 19:33–34 ‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
1 Peter 4:9 “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
We show hospitality because God shows hospitality.
Revelation 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Christians are supposed to be the most welcoming people on earth because we serve the most welcoming God there is.
Who do we show hospitality to?
- Church family.
Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” - Strangers.
Hebrews 13:2 “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” - Those who have nothing to offer us.
Luke 14:12-14 “Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”
Why don’t we show hospitality?
- Fear of the unknown.
- It’s hard work.
- Time.
- Jealousy.
Myths about hospitality:
- I don’t have the gift.
Hospitality is not a spiritual gift – it is a vehicle by which spiritual gifts can be shared.
Romans 12:13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. - I don’t have a nice house.
Acts9:43 – Simon the tanner. His place smelled of dead animals and urine yet Peter stayed there. Your house is better than that. This is where Peter received the directive to preach to the Gentiles. - Hospitality is just for women.
Qualifications for a bishop/overseer in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8 – hospitable, given to hospitality (NLT – he must enjoy having guests in his home).
How to practice hospitality:
Let people IN!
Interrupt
Invite
Include
Involve
Influence
Are you practicing hospitality?