There are a number of places where the Bible commends (even commands) hospitality:

• Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.  Acts 28.7
• Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.  Romans 12.13
• Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…  I Timothy 3.2
• Let a widow be enrolled [in the church’s widow support program] if she … has shown hospitality…  I Timothy 5.9-10
• But [a pastor must be]  hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  Titus 1.8
• Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  Hebrews 13.2
• Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.  I Peter 4.9-11

The Greek word translated as variants of “hospitality” is a compound word formed from the words “stranger” and “love.”  It is the idea of showing compassion on strangers.  In the New Testament, we find that such compassion is not only for strangers, but also for those within the community of faith.  Hence, Galatians 6.10: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

This is a preface to a heartfelt “thank you” that I owe to some friends who showed this hospitality to me.  For three weeks, this family provided lodging and meals for me – and not begrudgingly!  I enjoyed both the quality of the meals and their fellowship around them.  They provided me part-time work to do and paid me generously for that work.  They provided significant transportation help as well.  Even beyond all the material forms of hospitality, I was blessed by the spiritual side of their generosity.  From family devotions to baseball games to meals to shopping trips to playing in the backyard – throughout my stay with them, I really felt like part of the family!  I am grateful to the Lord for putting them in my path to provide during a pressure-point of his will.

My sincerest thanks to Mike and Mandy, and Noah, Ben and Sammy!  As often as we are able, may we follow them as they follow Christ!