Hospitality is an interesting word, mentioned 4 times in the NT – Rom 12:13, 1 Tim 3:2, Tit 1:8, 1 Pet 4:9. The Greek word is Philoxenia which means love of the stranger. The opposite in our English language is xenophobia – hatred or fear of the foreigner/stranger.
What is interesting is that we often think of hospitality as having good friends round for a meal, but the bible definition is clear, it’s inviting in those we really don’t know that well. The stranger also suggests people who may be more on the margins, less likely to be well connected, have good groups of friends or strong support networks. They are more likely to be vulnerable and possibly have needs.
For these reasons hospitality can be challenging. We, of course, have to take into account the protection of vulnerable adults or children in our own households when we consider who to invite in, but the command is clear. As Rom 12:3 says, we should be ‘given to hospitality’. To be given to something suggests a lifestyle devoted to it!
It was the practice of Jesus and his followers in the gospels. Tim Chester in his book ‘A meal with Jesus’ says “In Luke’s Gospel Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” It’s the way the gospel spread in the New Testament church, from house to house. It’s the way that disciples were made, through gathering in the various house churches. The Early church gathered for Agape meals where they broke bread, but also welcomed the stranger in.
A young woman who came to faith recently through our home based Alpha course, has been round our meal table for most weeks over the last year. The discipling has been extremely low key, but her spiritual growth has been staggering. She is on a fast-track to becoming a disciple-maker.
How could we all grow in our courage and confidence in becoming more hospitable? It may seem like a small thing, but it could just be the key to growing our churches and making disciples. It’s a gift for the whole body of Christ.
I love the way that Stockton Parish Church opened their doors to the strangers in the town centre before Christmas, practicing hospitality as a whole church to the town centre. Read and enjoy the story below.
