Not Just Good-Housekeeping: A Case for Christian Hospitality (Part 1)
John Starke
April 22, 2009
I once had a professor who, when questioned about his abrupt and
unforgiving nature towards students, responded (seriously), "Mercy is not one
of my spiritual gifts." Sadly, the
gentleman was confused as to what was only a spiritual gift and what was
actually fruit of the Spirit. The
parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18 should be seen as a lesson that
mercy is intrinsic to Christianity.
There are similar misconceptions about hospitality. Here are two that will hopefully give clarity to its biblical understanding.
First, many believe hospitality is a spiritual gift. Its common to hear others say, Well, she must have a spiritual gift in hospitality. Or, in a more affirming way, I think your gift must be in hospitality. This is not the case when understanding it biblically. Hospitality is intrinsic to the gospel - to the very fabric of being a forgiven sinner. We have so domesticated the word hospitable that it has lost its punch. Christian hospitality should be seen in light of God who has welcomed sinners through his Son, Jesus Christ. Christian hospitality should be seen in light of the incarnation of the Son who looked to the interests of others, became flesh and obedient to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:4-8). Jesus Christ did not despise the lowly, shameful, and abandoned, but welcomed them through the promises of the gospel. Welcoming the unruly and unwanted is fundamental to the gospel and to the Christian life. Paul points to the example of the Son and then instructs us (all Christians) to "have this mind among yourselves" (Philippians 2:5). Through the saving work of Christ, we (the outcast sinners) are "no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). Christian hospitality is not primarily practiced by those who are skilled in serving 5-course meals, but by welcomed sinners saved by grace.
Second, many believe hospitality is primarily a discipline for women. The argument above may be enough to answer this misconception, but let me give some brief responses. In the lists for overseers and elders, Scripture includes hospitality. Here, the leaders of the local churches were required to show hospitality, or they were disqualified for the post. How many pastoral search committees make this a non-debatable quality for their leaders? No church would hire a man of two wives. Yet, a church will pass their reclusive pastor off as simply a book worm. A glance over the qualifications of elders and overseers will show that these men are not meant to be Christians par excellence, but one who is faithful to the expectations of every saved sinner. Hospitality is certainly an expectation of Christian men. Leaving hospitality only to women is not an option. Husbands and fathers should lead their families to be quick to invite others into their homes. It is important for young children to see people, who are usually unwelcome everywhere, welcomed in our living rooms. This is an opportunity for children to see the gospel played out at their dinner table. If fathers are to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), Christian hospitality should be woven into their hearts. Both men and women have the glorious joy of imitating God's generous grace.
There is certainly much more to be said about hospitality (see Part 2), for both men and women. Yet, what hopefully has been accomplished here is that Christian hospitality is not limited to the spiritual gifted (though possibly Spirit powered) nor only to women, but by every sinner welcomed by the gracious God and Father through the gospel of his Son, Jesus Christ.
There are similar misconceptions about hospitality. Here are two that will hopefully give clarity to its biblical understanding.
First, many believe hospitality is a spiritual gift. Its common to hear others say, Well, she must have a spiritual gift in hospitality. Or, in a more affirming way, I think your gift must be in hospitality. This is not the case when understanding it biblically. Hospitality is intrinsic to the gospel - to the very fabric of being a forgiven sinner. We have so domesticated the word hospitable that it has lost its punch. Christian hospitality should be seen in light of God who has welcomed sinners through his Son, Jesus Christ. Christian hospitality should be seen in light of the incarnation of the Son who looked to the interests of others, became flesh and obedient to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:4-8). Jesus Christ did not despise the lowly, shameful, and abandoned, but welcomed them through the promises of the gospel. Welcoming the unruly and unwanted is fundamental to the gospel and to the Christian life. Paul points to the example of the Son and then instructs us (all Christians) to "have this mind among yourselves" (Philippians 2:5). Through the saving work of Christ, we (the outcast sinners) are "no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). Christian hospitality is not primarily practiced by those who are skilled in serving 5-course meals, but by welcomed sinners saved by grace.
Second, many believe hospitality is primarily a discipline for women. The argument above may be enough to answer this misconception, but let me give some brief responses. In the lists for overseers and elders, Scripture includes hospitality. Here, the leaders of the local churches were required to show hospitality, or they were disqualified for the post. How many pastoral search committees make this a non-debatable quality for their leaders? No church would hire a man of two wives. Yet, a church will pass their reclusive pastor off as simply a book worm. A glance over the qualifications of elders and overseers will show that these men are not meant to be Christians par excellence, but one who is faithful to the expectations of every saved sinner. Hospitality is certainly an expectation of Christian men. Leaving hospitality only to women is not an option. Husbands and fathers should lead their families to be quick to invite others into their homes. It is important for young children to see people, who are usually unwelcome everywhere, welcomed in our living rooms. This is an opportunity for children to see the gospel played out at their dinner table. If fathers are to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), Christian hospitality should be woven into their hearts. Both men and women have the glorious joy of imitating God's generous grace.
There is certainly much more to be said about hospitality (see Part 2), for both men and women. Yet, what hopefully has been accomplished here is that Christian hospitality is not limited to the spiritual gifted (though possibly Spirit powered) nor only to women, but by every sinner welcomed by the gracious God and Father through the gospel of his Son, Jesus Christ.
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