Priscilla's Page

Growing up, Saturdays were usually cleaning days. The whole house was cleaned from top to bottom in preparation for Sunday company. On Sunday morning, Mom was up a little early to get last minute things done in the kitchen before we all went to church. When we arrived home from worship, guests came with us. Sometimes we knew on Saturday who was coming. Some days, enough food was fixed for guests and Dad just invited a family or two after services. Looking back now, I realize Sunday guests were not an every week occurrence as it seems in my memory. They were, however, a very frequent event and one I greatly enjoyed.

Many times I regret that circumstances in the last few years since I moved out on my own have not permitted me to entertain “Sunday Guests” like I remember growing up. Not only are these get-togethers enjoyable, they fulfill one of God’s commands for his children. The Bible commands us to be hospitable (Hebrews 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 4:8-11; 3 John 5-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:14). The command is not limited to our brethren and there is much room for individuals to carry out this command in their own way.

To Whom Should We Be Hospitable?

The second group to whom we are commanded to be hospitable is strangers. Third John verses 5-8 commend the brethren for remembering brethren and strangers. Hebrews 13:1-3 brings to mind Abraham and Sarah showing hospitality to strangers. Verses like Ephesians 4:32, Galatians 6:10, Luke 14:12-14 and Matthew 25:34-35 tell us we should be kind to others, especially the poor and needy.

Why Should We Show Others Hospitality?

A third reason for showing hospitality is to fulfill the command of unity in the church. Consider Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Paul by inspiration commands the church to be unified, peaceful and patient with one another. If we do not know each other, it is impossible to keep these commands. When we show hospitality to our brethren, we become better aquatinted, and therefore better equipped to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

What Is Hospitality?

How Can We show Hospitality?

There is much we can do to show hospitality to those around us. Send cards, call or visit those who are sick in the congregation. Help widows with yardwork or housework. Many times parents of sick children would appreciate an offer to stay with the child so they can run a few errands or attend a worship service. If there are siblings who are not sick, offer to take them for an outing or to your home for a few hours. Send cards of encouragement and holiday boxes to missionaries. Include items they may not be able to get in foreign lands.

There is much we can do for those who are not members of the church as well. Contribute to your congregation’s clothing and food pantry. If you do not have one, ask the elders what you could do to start one. Visit neighbors who are ill and take them a hot meal. Welcome newcomers to your neighborhood and invite them to attend worship with you. The possibilities for hospitality are limited only by your imagination and willingness work.

Not everyone can have “Sunday Guests” each week. Though this is one great way to show our hospitality, it is by no means the only one. We are each commanded to be hospitable. Our abilities and circumstances determine how we fulfill this command. As long as we are fulfilling God’s commands with the right attitude (love for others and a desire to bring glory to God instead of a feeling of “since I have to”), God will be pleased with our best efforts, no matter how small they may seem to men.