In what ways can we show hospitality to others in our community today? The Setting in Judges 19 : 21 “ So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.” The unnamed old man in Gibeah spots weary travelers at the town square, insists they lodge with him, cares for their animals, provides water for dusty feet, and sets food before them. Scripture presents this simple, tangible care as the gold standard for welcoming strangers. What We Learn From the Old Man’s Welcome • Initiative —he didn’t wait to be asked. • Generosity —fodder for animals, water, a meal: real costs absorbed with gladness. • Protection —his home became a refuge when the town itself was unsafe. • Personal involvement —he served them himself; hospitality wasn’t delegated. Translating Hospitality into Today’s Community • Notice newcomers at church, work, or school and start the conversation first. • Offer your table: invite singles, neighbors, college students, or widows for a simple meal. • Keep a “guest-ready” pantry shelf—coffee, tea, soup ingredients—so you can say yes at a moment’s notice. • Provide rides to appointments, worship services, or grocery stores for those without transportation. • Open your spare room or sofa to missionaries, interns, or fellow believers in crisis. • Show care for “donkeys” today: help with childcare, pet sitting, lawn mowing, or tech support while guests catch their breath. • Create safe space—if someone needs to talk through a struggle, turn off devices and listen. • Partner with local shelters or refugee ministries: cook, donate, mentor, or host holiday meals. • Share the family’s fun: include outsiders in birthdays, game nights, or outings so they taste belonging. • Follow up—hospitality doesn’t end when the door closes; send a text, drop off leftovers, keep the relationship growing. Scriptural Echoes That Reinforce the Call • Hebrews 13 : 2—“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” • Romans 12 : 13—“Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” • 1 Peter 4 : 9—“Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” • Matthew 25 : 35—“I was a stranger and you invited Me in.” • 3 John 5-8—commended believers who welcomed traveling servants of the gospel. • Genesis 18 : 1-8—Abraham hurried to prepare bread, meat, and milk for three visitors, modeling eager service. Heart Attitudes Behind the Actions • Love that sees people, not projects. • Humility that treats guests as honored, not obligated. • Stewardship that views homes, cars, and schedules as tools God owns. • Faith that trusts God to replenish time, energy, and resources poured out for others. • Joy that anticipates Christ Himself greeting us with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Living It Out This Week Choose one concrete step—set an open-house date, assemble a care package, volunteer with a community ministry, or invite that lonely coworker to lunch—and act on it. Hospitality becomes second nature when Scripture moves from page to practice, and every open door whispers the gospel to a watching world. |
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