The Hostess with the Mostess
Pondering the word hospitality brings images of entertainment, good food, great conversation… a party with family and friends! However, looking closely at the root of the word in Greek may bring new light to this popular idea of being hospitable.
The word “hospitality” as used in the New Testament translated from Greek means “love of strangers.” Think about that for a minute… how many times do we have a party and invite strangers into our homes?
Hospitality is Godly Strength that is commanded and commended in the Bible. In Hebrews 13, the Scripture speaks of brotherly love to each other. As often as we have friends and family over for dinner, let us think about befriending those who may not have support or are lonely. In the virtue of hospitality, we can freely offer an open door.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”—Hebrews 13:2
With an open door, you may have already provided open arms to someone in need. As Yeshua and His disciples went about their public ministry, they depended upon the hospitality of others, just as the early Christians depended greatly on the generosity of others. Let’s be encouraged to continue this beautiful virtue for the Kingdom.
In the Old Testament, God sets the stage with the Israelites regarding this Godly strength…
“And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”—Leviticus 13:33-34
Yeshua expands on this very principle when He speaks of loving your neighbor as yourself. God reminds us that we were once strangers in His land, but through Yeshua’s blood, we have been reconciled and we can show that love to others.
As with all Godly strengths, the enemy tries to counterfeit and distract us. Consider Luke 10 when Martha and Mary open their home to Yeshua and His disciples. Martha became distracted by all the preparations. When you are preparing to show hospitality, lift up the worries to the LORD and ask Him to prepare your heart. Mary chose to sit with her Savior and hang on His every word. For this she was commended.
We want to pray with you, asking God to show you how a brother or sister needs to be loved and cared for while in your home. We can get sidetracked with our to-do list, but God can calm our frenzied minds and put focus on where He wants it. Someone might not need entertained or a party, but a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.
Contact us today [CLICK HERE]. We’d love to pray with you about opening your heart and home. God bless!