Hospitality, where it is still practiced in the church, is largely an unstudied virtue. The demands of modernity and the frenetic pace of life around us dictate that we neglect our responsibility to have our brothers and sisters into our homes. Nevertheless, the Bible is very plain in requiring us to be disciplined in our pursuit of "company," and includes a requirement of hospitality in the leaders of the church (1 Tim. 3:2). This is not because it is their task alone, but rather because a pattern or example should be set by them for the whole church.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality (Rom. 12:9-13).
But we must begin with a caution. Before addressing the duties related to hospitality, just a few words are necessary to that group which always finds time to lament the unfriendliness and lack of hospitality in others. This duty is one where we may trust the Lord to convict us of our own failings. But with regard to their purported failings, take care not to draw any conclusions about the hospitality of others. First, you are in no position to make a right judgment. It is very easy to make judgments without all the facts (a practice that some seem to feel is their spiritual gift). And secondly, those who show great interest in the failings of others in this regard are usually a central part of the problem.
This said, nevertheless, in Romans 12:13, the saints are told to pursue hospitality, to chase down potential guests in the parking lot after church. Far more is involved than a simple willingness to have company over—Paul... Continue Reading
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