I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18
There is a biblical mandate for hospitality and God empowers us to carry it out. But what about receiving hospitality? How we accept hospitality is important as well. Here’s why:
It shows our connectedness. As we invite one another into our lives, meeting one another’s needs, it demonstrates a healthy Body taking care of each of its members. When we include others, even those very different from us, it reveals our bond in Christ.
But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. I Corinthians 12:24-26
It exercises our humility. Confessing a need can be hard. I can’t do it all on my own. It reminds me of my need for God and His care of me through others.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
It models our love for one another. Yes, the world will truly know Him by how we treat one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35
Jesus freely received hospitality, most frequently from Mary and Martha in Bethany. As always, He gives us our model. Hospitality is a service offered in gladness and His hosts were glad at His coming. Do I bless those who host me? Not in an earned give and take, but do my attitude and actions toward their hospitality facilitate gladness?
I’m inclined to self-sufficiency. When I receive hospitality, I feel the need for reciprocity. But if we are truly connected as a Body, then I must be gracious and learn how to receive hospitality as well as give it. If I refuse, then I am disconnecting myself from my brothers and sisters and denying them the opportunity to be a blessing, too. And God’s work is not seen.
I enjoy rendering hospitality and have had great models to learn from. I want to receive it as readily, not as entitled, but with a gracious heart, humbly and giving thanks to God as well as the host.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
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