Love in Action through Hospitality:

Hospitality Ministry refers to the quality of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way; or  love of strangers.

It’s a command(Leviticus 19:33-34) and commended as well. Jesus and the 12 depended on hospitality in their ministry(Matthew 10:9-10), and the early church too (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 28:7). 

We are reminded not to forget to entertain strangers for by doing so, some people have entertained angels without know it(Hebrews 13:12). Abraham’s humble and generous display of hospitality to 3 strangers, without knowing entertained the Lord and the two angels (Genesis 18:1-8).

Matt 25:37-46 shows that, when we serve other people through acts of love, we are serving Christ himself.

Cornelius gave generously to those in need and prayed regularly. His giving became a memorial service before the Lord. (Acts 10).

What else does the Bible Say about Hospitality:

1. Our neighbour is anyone we encounter; we are all creatures of the creator and we are to love all of mankind as Jesus has taught.

2. Proverbs 19:17 – Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

3. Proverbs 14:31 – Whoever is generous to the poor man honours the Lord.

4. Proverbs 27:10 – Better a neighbour nearby than a brother far away.

5. Romans 12:13 – Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

6. 1 Peter 4:9 – Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

7. 2 Kings 4:8-37, 8:1-6 – The Shunammite woman’s heartfelt hospitality to Elisha and simple sincere faith led to an amazing series of events. She received blessings during a difficult period in time in Israel. Even today God often uses His people’s humble acts of service to bless both the giver and the receiver.

8. 1 Kings 17:7-24 – Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. God often uses unlikely people and sources to accomplish His purposes. A Sidonian woman (non Jew), was blessed for her faith (Faith with Action).

9. Acts 9: 36-43 – Dorcas is a good example of how we are to meet the needs of those around us. (Tangible evidence of her loving service)We can say that although Dorcas was in paradise, which is far better than the earthly life, she could have been brought back to life for the sake of then widows and others in Joppa who needed her services. Christians are to continue to remember the poor – Gal 2:10

10. 2 Timothy 1:15-18 – Everyone deserted Paul in the province of Asia; but the household of Onesiphorus kept on refreshing him.

NB: Giving is by no means limited to money, but remember that your heart and your time lie at the core of your service.

11. I Tim 5:8 – Caring for the family and windows.

12. 1 John 3:17-18 – Caring for others with our material possessions.

13. 1 John 4:20 – Loving a brother we can see .