Scripture Thursday ~ Hospitality ~ Guest Blogger

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:9-10

Compliments of the Graphics Fairy

When I think of hospitality, I think of Corrie Ten Boom and her family.  Below is a paragraph from the book:  Corrie, The Lives She’s Touched by Joan Winmill Brown

Mama Ten Boom, loved to have her home filled with people.  The little house was already crowded with four children, three aunts, Papa, and herself, but somehow she always found room for one more person around the oval family dining table.  Through this, Corrie learned that hospitality did not depend on how much one had to give materially, but on sharing whatever the Lord had given.  The quantity of soup in the pot would be increased by an extra portion of water – but the kindness with which it was served must have made it taste delicious to the guests that came to the Beje – many with such desperate needs. 

The word HOSPITALITY is defined in Webster’s 1828 dictionary as:
The act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality.

I’m thrilled to have my friend Natalie as a guest here today.  She shares with us, a biblical perspective on Hospitality below.  Natalie lives in California with her husband who is a pastor, is active in women’s ministry, an avid papercrafter, and loves spending time with her grandchildren. 

Natalie ~ Delightful Details

Hospitality ~ The Heart of Jesus
What does Scripture instruct us about hospitality?

Abram’s example ~ Genesis 18:1-8

Rahab’s example ~ Joshua 2
Her hospitality is rewarded.  Rahab and her family are protected when Jericho’s walls came tumbling down.  Who knew that when this harlot who showed hospitality and lodged these two men that she would end up in the lineage of Christ AND in the Hall of Faith.

By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.   Hebrews 11:31

Nabal’s (not so good) example ~ 1 Samuel 25:2-42
Refusing to be hospitable, Nabal was punished but then his wise and prudent wife, Abigail extends hospitality and was rewarded and commended by King David. (I do not think it’s a coincidence that Abigail had 5 maidservants. Five in Scripture represents grace and as Abigail was gracious in sharing with David and his men, she in turn was extended grace.)

It was a necessity in the Middle Eastern culture, not just a matter of good manners and even though we don’t have maidservants to always help us (like Sarah and Abigail) we still can extend hospitality.

Elisha and the Shunammite family ~ 2 Kings 4

Hospitality is truly a "HEART" issue

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
1 John 3:17
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.
Romans 12:9-13

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  1 Peter 4:9
(my personal testimony and how the Lord has spoken to my heart about the grumbling)

Is hospitality a gift?
I think it's more of a command or an expectation for the Christian, than a gift. It's something we need to exercise more in our culture. We are too comfortable within our own four walls after being out in the "rat race" all day.

Not all of us have "maidservants" to help us keep the house clean.  Nor do we all have a fabulous well balanced and delicious dinner on the table, or all the other responsibilities that fall upon women today.  We can however, be hospitable by not being so concerned about the "entertaining aspect".  Rather, having a heart for the people, as well as meeting the needs of a lonely person who cannot return the favor. 

Hospitality is sharing what we have and who we are with whomever God sends. Hospitality includes setting aside time for fellowship and being flexible in order to accommodate impromptu gatherings.











Rewards accompany hospitality.
Sharing with and serving others demands sacrifices, and you are promised that your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Hebrews 6:10
Let brotherly love continue.  Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
Hebrews 13:1-2

Thank you so much Natalie, for sharing on my blog today.  You are a blessing.   I'll close today with a quote by author Emilie Barnes.

Reach out and care for someone who the touch of hospitality.  The time you spend caring today will be a love gift that will blossom into the fresh joy of God's Spirit in the future.If you are receiving this post via email, you can view it on my blog here:
Little Birdie Blessings


Linked to:  A Sheltering Tree, Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 Home, Encourage One Another, Teach Me Tuesdays, The Alabaster Jar