Romans 12:9-21
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13).
Hospitality is important for several reasons. First, hospitality is important because it is commanded. There are no trivial commands when it comes to God’s Word, because God is the author of the command (Matthew 5:17-20). Secondly, hospitality is important because it is part of the church’s mission. The church is to be a people eager for good works (Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 2:10). That is what makes the church different from the world. The church is not only performing good works but is zealous for them. In addition, hospitality as a good work brings glory to God (1 Peter 2:11-12). This is yet another reason for hospitality’s importance. Thirdly, hospitality is important because it is a means of evangelism and proclamation. The demonstration of hospitality proclaims that people really matter. Although the image of God has been marred by the fall, we still bear that image. Therefore, humans are valuable and thus ought to be treated with respect, honor, dignity, and even love. Not only does the demonstration of hospitality proclaim that people matter; it also proclaims the love of God. By showing people the love of God in a concrete way, we are proclaiming the gospel. Lastly, hospitality is important because by engaging in it, we become imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2). Hospitality incarnates the message of God’s redemption–that throughout the history of the world God has sought out the outcasts, the strangers, and invited them into His family (Ephesians 2:11-19). Therefore, we are saved by God’s hospitality. And because we are called to be imitators of God, we ought also to demonstrate hospitality to others.