In recent episodes, I've taught things on Christian character and this one is on hospitality. In the Old Testament, there is no word translated "hospitality", but it is found in stories which illustrate the concept as a duty one is required to perform. In Genesis 18:1-8, we see Abraham being hospitable to the three angels. Again, in Genesis 19:1-11, we find Lot doing the same, plus there's numerous other such stories. In the New Testament, the Greek word "philoxenia" is found 4x for "hospitality." It's a composite of two words: "Philo" meaning "love" and "Xenia" meaning "a stranger." It literally means "to show love for a stranger." Therefore, in the New Testament hospitality is given, not due to social duty, but out of Christian love. And we find many examples in the Gospels: in Mark chapters 6 and 8, Jesus feeds large groups of people. He is showing hospitality to them. In Luke, Jesus taught to "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (6:38, NKJV). We also see an example in the story of the good Samaritan in Luke, chapter 10. And again in Luke 19:1-11, we find the story of Zacchaeus where he shows hospitality to Jesus. Can we show hospitality to Jesus today? Coming on judgment day, Jesus taught, "And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did to one of the least of these My brethren, you did to Me'" (Matthew 25:40, NKJV). When we show hospitality, we will be blessed and often not in ways we'd expect: "Therefore, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:20-21, NKJV). I encourage you to listen to this podcast on hospitality, a subject which is often ignored in church teachings.
Let me hear from you - Charles
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