Topical Encyclopedia Hospitality, a virtue deeply embedded in biblical teaching, is particularly emphasized in relation to the poor. The Bible consistently underscores the importance of extending kindness and generosity to those in need, reflecting God's own compassion and provision.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the practice of hospitality towards the poor. In Leviticus 19:9-10 , God commands the Israelites: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner; I am the LORD your God." This directive not only provides for the physical needs of the poor but also integrates them into the community's life and sustenance. The book of Deuteronomy further emphasizes this principle. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instructs, "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage highlights the attitude of generosity and openness that should characterize God's people. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also speaks to the importance of caring for the poor. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse suggests that acts of hospitality and generosity towards the poor are not only moral obligations but also investments in divine favor and blessing. Prophetic Calls to Justice The prophets frequently call Israel back to the practice of justice and mercy, particularly towards the marginalized. Isaiah 58:6-7 declares, "Is not this the fast I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" Here, hospitality is linked with true worship and righteousness, indicating that care for the poor is integral to a life pleasing to God. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues this emphasis on hospitality towards the poor, with Jesus Himself modeling and teaching this virtue. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus instructs His followers, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and 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). This teaching challenges believers to extend hospitality without expectation of earthly reward, focusing instead on eternal values. The early church exemplified this teaching in their communal life. Acts 2:44-45 describes the early believers: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This radical sharing and hospitality were marks of the Spirit-filled community, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Apostolic Exhortations The apostolic writings further encourage believers to practice hospitality, especially towards those in need. In Romans 12:13 , Paul exhorts, "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." Similarly, in Hebrews 13:2 , believers are reminded, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." These passages reinforce the call to open-heartedness and generosity as essential Christian virtues. James 2:15-16 provides a practical application: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?" This rhetorical question underscores the necessity of tangible acts of kindness and support for those in need, aligning faith with action. Conclusion The biblical mandate for hospitality, especially towards the poor, is clear and compelling. It reflects God's heart for justice, mercy, and community, calling believers to embody these values in their daily lives. Through acts of hospitality, Christians are invited to participate in God's redemptive work, offering hope and provision to those who are most vulnerable. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 58:7Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor that are cast out to your house? when you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you hide not yourself from your own flesh? Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 14:13 Library B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10 Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Index of Subjects. The Daily Walk with Others (ii. ). Ephesians vi. 3-Jan Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... The Christ of M. Renan. Philip and the Desposyni Rondelet, {7} the Huguenot Naturalist {8} The American Experiments, 1734-1762. Resources What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? | GotQuestions.orgAre there angels among us? | GotQuestions.org Who was Diotrephes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
    |