Hospitality means different things to different people and there are different kinds of hospitality. Everyone has their own understanding of what it means to each of them. However, to Jesus, hospitality is far greater than most of us could imagine and it encompasses so much more than just inviting ‘friends’ to your home for a meal. Simply put, it is purely the basis on which all that Jesus teaches us, is built.
Pure and unconditional hospitality opens, or is in advance open, to someone who is neither expected nor invited. It is central to our lifestyles as followers of Jesus. One of the key Greek words for hospitality is ”philoxenia”. It combines the word for love, phileo, and the word for stranger, xenos. This is exactly what Jesus demonstrated to us over and over again. It is not a choice that is ours to make. Hebrews 13:2 tells us not to neglect hospitality towards strangers. We are to be willing to open our homes, offer a meal or refreshments at all times, to anyone in need.
There is so much to say about this subject, so over the next few days I will share what I have learnt about it. Have a look at my new Hospitali-Tea page. I hope it inspires you to ‘host’ someone in your home, especially this week. Do you know any lonely people who would appreciate being invited to your home? Share the love of Jesus this Thanksgiving with those around you who need it!
