Do not worry about comparing yourself to others. Just serve using the gifts and resources you have been given. Scripture does not tell us exactly what to do, but rather encourages us to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Pet. 4:9). 

Be Hospitable!

In Romans 12:13, Paul says, “seek to show hospitality.” When we think of the “one-another” commands of Scripture, certainly the idea of hospitality comes to mind. The word itself comes from the Latin hospes, meaning guest, visitor, or stranger.

Sometimes talks and books on this topic give the impression that the speaker’s or writer’s practice of hospitality is THE method of applying this biblical principle. In looking at Scripture however, we see a wide variety of care for guests, visitors, and strangers.

Hospitality in the Old Testament

Abram entertained three strangers by making sure their feet were washed and by providing bread, a calf, curds, and milk (Gen. 18:1-8). In Genesis 24, Abraham’s servant is entertained by Laban, and even the camels receive water and straw (vv. 11-61)!

Sometimes hospitality is for an extended period, like when David promises Mephibosheth, “You shall eat at my table always” (2 Sam. 9:7). Solomon entertained the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 4:22), and Nehemiah hosted both Jews and foreigners (Neh. 5:17).

Finally, in 2 Kings 4, the Shunammite woman not only fed Elisha every time he passed through town, but she also encouraged her husband to put on an addition so Elisha would have his own room!

Hospitality in the New Testament

We see similar hospitality in the New Testament era. Jesus fed the multitudes, and after being healed of a fever, Peter’s mother-in-law immediately got up and began to serve (Luke 4:39). The family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus extended hospitality to Jesus and the disciples at their home in Bethany.

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