When we discuss hospitality, the first person who comes to mind because of her hospitality is the Shunammite woman who took in a stranger named Elisha {2 Kings 4:8-10}. By taking in a complete stranger, she exhibited hospitality in its purest sense. Let's discuss some things about hospitality ...

We do it unto the Lord. "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" {Matthew 25:40} When we extend hospitality to others, it is as though we are extending it to the Lord. If I am inhospitable to those about me, am I not also being inhospitable to God? Think about your answer.

It is not for the purpose of receiving recompense. " ... When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, but when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just." {Luke 14:12-14} Do we extend hospitality to only those who will repay us? Motives are important to God!

It should be done without grumbling. " Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." {1 Peter 4:9,10} When we complain and murmur about having to do something for another brother or sister, we are practicing hospitality in a grudging way. If I practice hospitality with a grumbling spirit and an insincere heart, it is of little or no profit to me or to the other person. The church today needs brethren who are lovers of hospitality. When we add up the time, expense, and effort involved in practicing hospitality, we learn that the rewards of our actions far outweigh the costs! Do you love to give and receive hospitality?