Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/88

Contributor - Babette Moerman

Title - Hospitality

Topic - Women

I thought it would be a good idea to reflect on the theme of "hospitality" this month. I'd like to share a few thoughts with you on the subject. I believe that one of the important ministries that women can under take in the church today is the ministry of hospitality.

Hospitality is often misunderstood. Many think that hospitality is synonymous with entertainment, or going through nine grueling hours of preparation, or trying to impress one's guests with an elegant seven course meal, Royal Albert China, or perfect etiquette. Hospitality is none of these.

According to those who study the Biblical languages, the word "Hospitality" is a compound word made up of two smaller words: "stranger" and "love", or, "love of strangers". Hospitality then, is more like "open heart, open home", acceptance, warmth, and friendship toward strangers.

Hospitality is a practical expression of love. We know that Jesus said: "Love your neighbour as yourself " (Matthew 22:39) and 'A new commandment I give you,- Love one another, As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another" (John 13:34, 35). The Apostle John wrote: "Dear children let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. " (I John 3:18)

I do not think there is a single Christian church in the world that does not want to be known as a warm, friendly, accepting and loving church. If your church is a growing church, or it would like to be, then hospitality is doubly necessary. In our own church, many adult visitors have stayed with us - with varying degrees of commitment to the church and to the Lord - and hospitality has played no small role in this.

Peter writes: 'Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of s' . ns- Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. " (I Peter 4: 8,9) This seems to say that hospitality is something expected from all Christians. isn't it true that the visitor's and newcomer's most common complaint about churches is not "Oh, that preacher was dreadful!" or "My, that churches' architecture is awful!" or "Those pews were uncomfortable!", but rather the most common complaint seems to be "The people of that church are as cold as ice! No one said 'Hello' or smiled at me, or invited me to their house. They don't care about me! I'm just a face in the crowd!"

Love brings people back. Hospitality makes people stay.

We already know that "hospitality" in the Greek is made up of two smaller words: "love" and "stranger". Interestingly, the word for love is PHILEO - Brotherly love! Unconditional love. Sacrificial love. A love that doesn't care about the colour of skin, the quality of clothes, the ethnic background or financial status. This is what hospitality is made of!

Hospitality is also ministering to Jesus. In Matthew 25:31-46, we read a parable by Jesus where he talks about feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked and so on. Jesus said "When you've done it to one of these, you've done it to Me." Have you noticed that included in this list, is inviting in the stranger?

As women active in the Body of Christ, I'd like to encourage you to practice hospitality. I believe that God would be pleased when we invite over some one we have never invited before! I believe He would want us to put priority on inviting the lonely, the singles, the strangers - those who need it the most. Jesus said: "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbours,- if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12-14)

I encourage you to practice hospitality at least once each month. Probably the most convenient and natural time is Sunday after church. Keep an eye open for those attending on Sunday morning who look like they could really benefit from the invitation.

Romans 12:13

Share with God's people who are in need practice hospitality.

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