In the New Testament, the Greek word translated as hospitality literally means 'love of strangers' or perhaps 'love of neighbour'. In the Old Testament, Abraham was the host to angels, unaware; he invited strangers into his house, washed their feet, prepared fresh meat, had Sarah bake bread and later accompanied them as they left. - Gen. 18:1-15 -

Hospitality was specifically commanded by God. It was to be characteristic of all believers. Hospitality was an important trait in ancient times even until now. If a stranger lives with you in your land, do not molest him. You must count him as one of your own countrymen and love him as yourself-for you were once strangers yourselves in Egypt. I am Yahweh your God. - Lev. 19:33-34 -

Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trails come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care. - Rom. 12:11-13 -

Above all, never let your love for each other grow insincere since love covers over many a sin. Welcome each other into your houses without grumbling. 1Pet. 4:8-9 -

Several Old Testament personalities set a good example for all believers in the practise of hospitality(love of strangers/neighbour). These included Abraham - Gen 18:1-8 - David - 2Sam. 6:19 - the Shunammite woman -2Kin. 4:8 - Nehemiah - Neh. 5:17-18 - Job - Job 31:17-20 - Psalm 23 concludes with a portrait of a host who prepares a table for the weary, anoints the head of the guest with oil and shows every kindness so that the guest's cup runs over. The psalmist sees the Lord Himself as Host; His hospitality exceeds all others.

The New Testament also gives examples of gracious hospitality(love of strangers/neighbour). Jesus emphasized the importance of hospitality by answering the question of who should inherit God's kingdom.

Then the King will say to those on the right hand, "Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me". - Matt. 25:34-36 -

But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbour?' Jesus replied, 'A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. "Look after him" he said "and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have". Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands' hands? The one who took pity on him, he replied. Jesus said to him, 'Go and do the same yourself'. - Luke 10:29-38 -

On the way he came to the Samaritan town called Sychar, near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well is there and Jesus, tired by the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Give me a drink'. His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, 'What? You are a Jew and you ask me, a Samaritan, for a drink? - Jews in fact, do not associate with Samaritans....... - John 4:5-42 -

One of these woman was called Lydia, a devout woman from the town of Thyatira who was in the purple-dye trade. She listened to us, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptised she sent us an invitation: 'If you really think me a true believer in the Lord', she said 'come and stay with us'; and she would take no refusal. - Acts 16:14-15 -
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Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -