Paul told the Christians in Rome that they should be “distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13). Paul wrote that qualifications to be ordained as an Elder included hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2). We see in the book of Acts that the New Testament Church certainly set an example of doing this in selfless service. This was one of the chief Acts of Everybody Else! This was one of the visible ways people filled with the Holy Spirit displayed the fruits of it.

How about us?

Individually and as the Church of God? “Well, others need to …” No, what can I do to be more hospitable? What might God do in building His Family if we would all care and share better?

Paul had been the recipient of such hospitality on his journey to Rome from many brethren—how in the world would they have known he was even coming their way, let alone the approximate time and how long he would need to stay (Acts 21:4-5, 8-10; 28:7-8, 14-15).

It seems they were always ready to help not only brethren but a traveler. This reminds us of what Job said: “If the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who is there that has not been satisfied with his meat?’ (But no sojourner had to lodge in the street, for I have opened my doors to the traveler”) (Job 31:31-32). Arabs and Bedouins are known for this. Here’s some more advice from Paul about hospitality: “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:1-2). This happened to Abraham and Lot (Genesis 18 and 19). I doubt if I’ve fooled anyone while trying to be on my best behavior, and I’m pretty sure mine have always been earthlings! Who wouldn’t like to hear Jesus someday say,

“I was a stranger and you took me in” (Matthew 25:35)

Foreign to our thinking today, Paul—and his party—had no hesitation to “enter a house” or “find brethren” rather than “we can’t just go invite ourselves over.” But we must also note that this wasn’t about bumming or mooching. Paul worked as a tentmaker when he stayed with Aquila and Precscila for 1-1/2 years (Acts 18:1-3) and directed that anybody who won’t work doesn’t get to eat! (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Back then it seemed like they applied the idea of footwashing to hospitality

You can’t wash feet unless somebody is willing to stick out theirs. It takes basin and feet, home and guest. I find that it actually takes more humility to let somebody wash my feet than for me to wash theirs. Though uncrowned, I’m sure I have the ugliest feet in the world which I’d just as soon keep unnoticed! Didn’t Peter blurt out “You’ll never wash my feet!” rather than complaining about washing Jesus’. But, it’s easier for me to dine with somebody or spend the night at their place than to ask them because I wonder if they will be satisfied with what I offer them but I know I will be just fine with whatever they offer, and more than that, very grateful! The fact that all brethren are expected to take part in the footwashing portion of the Passover service speaks loudly that God expects us to ALL be hospitable and we just have to push through whatever concerns we might have with the give-and-take challenges.

As with offerings to God,

We offer what we have, not what we don’t have! (Deuteronomy 16:17)

And we can learn to be content in whatsoever state we find ourselves! (Philippians 4:11). In Colorado we have a definite advantage!

Trips to Denver for church take us up to six hours roundtrip, when traffic is good, so especially when weather turns bad, we so appreciate brethren inviting us over to fellowship or spend the night. We have stayed the most with one brother in Christ who says we can show up unannounced if circumstances demand it.

Another couple always came through for us. One time they were going to be out of town, so they left a key for us. The last time we asked if we could stay the night, the husband said they were moving states and their place was empty of furniture! But when we told him it would be so helpful for us to stay that we’d gladly sleep on the floor, he graciously let us. We had a wonderful night of fellowshipping with him before we would not be seeing him for who knows how long!

For us who would like to be hospitable the way the Bible directs,

Can people count on us?

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). We do that by serving everyone!

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others” (verse 4).

We see that the Acts of the Apostles were often made possible because of hospitable acts of everybody else. For the special time they were in, brethren voluntarily sold homes and land they owned to share with the burgeoning Church being established “as anyone had need” (Acts 2:45).
What they had “in common” was brotherly love not socialism!

Antioch Christians eagerly took up a generous collection for the saints suffering famine in Judea (11:27-30). Dorcas was “full of good works and charitable deeds” (9:36).

Blood is thicker than water, Spirit than blood

My four kids are always welcome to come home. My sisters, brother-in-laws and relatives are always welcome to stop and stay. And thank God for our brothers and sisters in Christ! Hey, all people will someday be our brothers and sisters in Christ!! We all have a ways to go when it comes to hospitality, though of course we must use discretion.

Because we are the southern flank of the Colorado churches, and few come our way, I often make it a point to ask brethren to just stop by if they ever pass through and we’ll gladly prepare a good meal for them and have a place to spend the night. We’re retired, so generally home, and what a treat for us because we’ll end up enjoying a far better meal than we would have! And we’ll get to enjoy their fellowship and spice up our life!

Paul puts it so well: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).