Hospitality: The Gospel in Action
In a world that often teaches us to be suspicious of strangers, the biblical concept of hospitality stands in stark contrast. The message of First Peter 4:7-11 reminds us that hospitality isn’t just about entertaining guests—it’s about intentional welcome that reflects the very heart of the gospel.
What Does Biblical Hospitality Really Mean?
The word “hospitality” in First Peter 4:9 comes from the Greek word “philoxena,” which combines “philo” (love or friendship) and “xenos” (stranger or foreigner). At its core, biblical hospitality means “love of strangers.” It’s not merely social kindness or entertaining guests; it’s gospel witness—how we embody the life of Jesus in our life and surroundings.
Hospitality is deeply rooted in Israel’s story. Remember Abraham in Genesis 18? When three strangers appeared near his tent, he didn’t hesitate. He ran to them, bowed low, and offered extravagant welcome. He didn’t serve from a distance but entered their world to show them honor. This simple act of hospitality opened the door to a divine encounter—Abraham welcomed strangers and, in doing so, welcomed God Himself.
The writer of Hebrews picks up on this idea: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Throughout the Old Testament, laws were built around treating foreigners and strangers with kindness and respect. Hospitality became a counter-cultural act of covenant love.
Why Does Hospitality Matter in Our Christian Walk?
Hospitality matters for several profound reasons:
- It models the gospel – Jesus came to us “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). When we welcome others regardless of their status or background, we’re modeling what Christ did for us.
- It mirrors Jesus’ life – Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, sharing meals with those the world considered outcasts.
- It builds the church – In Acts 2, the early believers shared everything and broke bread together. This communal life is fundamental to the kingdom of God.
- It heals division – It’s easy to hate someone from a distance or behind a screen. Sitting across a table from someone allows you to see their humanity and recognize similarities rather than differences.
- It reveals the kingdom – When we gather around tables, set open doors, and make room in our lives, we’re not just being kind. We’re acting like Jesus and revealing what His kingdom looks like.
What Happens When We Don’t Practice Hospitality?
The consequences of neglecting hospitality are serious:
- We distort Jesus’ message, making it appear as if people who are different don’t belong.
- We weaken our witness by building walls instead of setting tables.
- We deepen division instead of healing it.
- We miss divine encounters like Abraham experienced.
When the church stops setting tables, it starts building walls and barriers that keep people from coming to Jesus.
What Prevents Us from Being Hospitable?
Several common barriers keep us from practicing true hospitality:
Fear of the Other
Many of us grew up with “stranger danger” messaging that taught us to be suspicious of people we don’t know. But God repeatedly reminded Israel to welcome strangers because “you were once foreigners in Egypt.” Paul echoes this in Ephesians 2, reminding us that we “were once far away” but have “been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Our identity as people who once didn’t belong but were welcomed by Christ should drive us to welcome others.
Perfectionism
How many times have we said, “You’ll have to excuse the house, it’s a mess?” Our desire for everything to be perfect before inviting others in often prevents us from extending hospitality at all.
Busyness
We wear busyness like a badge of honor. Like the people in Bethlehem who missed Jesus’ birth because they were too occupied with their own affairs, we can be so focused on our schedules that we miss divine appointments.
Disagreement
Our culture says, “If you disagree with me, you hate me.” We’ve taken this further to mean, “If you disagree with me, I will disregard you.” But love doesn’t require agreement, it requires grace.
How Can We Practice True Hospitality?
What would it look like if a church took hospitality to heart? What if we were known as the most hospitable people in our communities? What if our neighbors knew us as people who genuinely welcome others?
Jesus shared meals with people more than He shared sermons. He didn’t just save from afar. He came near, sat down, and said, “You’re welcome. You belong.”
Hospitality isn’t just a spiritual gift for some; it’s a gospel response for all believers. It’s what saved us, what changed us, and what the world is aching to find: someone who will simply open the door, welcome them in, and say, “You belong.”
Life Application
This week, consider how you might practice intentional hospitality:
- Identify your barriers: What keeps you from welcoming others? Is it fear, perfectionism, busyness, or something else?
- Start small: Invite a neighbor or coworker for coffee. The goal isn’t perfection but presence.
- Look for the stranger: Who in your community might feel like an outsider? How can you make them feel welcome?
- Remember your story: Reflect on how Christ welcomed you when you didn’t belong, and let that motivate your hospitality toward others.
Ask yourself: How might my table become an altar? How might my home become a doorway to grace? How might my life echo the heart of Christ, who saw us from a long way off and ran to meet us?
The table is set. Now go and make room.