By Larry Rosenbaum
As evangelicals, we believe the entire Bible is God’s Word. But in studying the scriptures and applying them to our lives, we tend to concentrate on certain topics and avoid others. One subject evangelicals tend to ignore is that of showing hospitality, both to other believers and to strangers.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). One example of this is in Genesis 18. Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent when he saw three men. He did not know that they were angels, but he immediately greeted them and bowed to the ground. He humbly asked them to receive his hospitality, by washing their feet and feeding them. He had a choice calf killed and prepared a special feast for them. Only later did he realize that these were angels. In the next chapter, Lot welcomed these men in a similar way, before learning that they were angels. Throughout the Bible, we see similar examples of hospitality to strangers being shown by godly people.
Jesus taught extensively on the subject of hospitality. “When you have a feast, invite the poor, the lame, the blind, and you shall be blessed…for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:13-14). “Come…into the Kingdom…For I was a stranger and you invited me into your home…Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of these my brothers, you did it unto me” (see Matt. 25:31-46).
We need to be doers of God’s Word, not merely hearers. When we think about inviting strangers into our home, we immediately become fearful. “I can’t do that–they might hurt me or my children.” Lot lived in the wicked city of Sodom, but he did not hesitate to invite strangers into his home. I am not saying that we should take every stranger into our homes. Lot did not invite the mob of sodomites into his house. We need to use wisdom–both common sense and spiritual discernment. I do not think a man should leave a strange man alone at his home with his wife while he goes to work. But he could take a pregnant woman and or single mother into his home.
Life is filled with risks. We take a risk every time we ride in a car. We worry that a stranger might be a bad influence on our children. But we fail to see the risk of refusing to take in strangers. How many children of Christian parents do not follow the Lord as adults? Could it be because they observe that our walk is not the same as our talk? The example of Christian love our kids see in the hospitality we show strangers will say more to them than hundreds of sermons.
We need to obey all of God’s Word. We cannot embrace Hebrews 13:4 “marriage is honorable” and reject Hebrews 13:2 “entertain strangers.” All of God’s Word is true and it is for our good. God wants to bless us and our families and He knows that if we obey His Word–in this area as in other areas–our lives will be blessed and fruitful.
