The Whole ChurchSample

WELCOMING OUTSIDERS

Imagine this: You’re washing dishes when family members or close friends drop in for a visit. In all likelihood, you’d stop what you’re doing and greet them. You might even insist they stay for dinner. Now picture this scene with strangers approaching your door instead of someone you know. Would you still rush to greet them and urge them to join you for a meal?

That’s precisely what happened in Genesis 18 when unexpected visitors appeared in front of Abraham and Sarah’s home. Biblical scholars disagree about who these three visitors were—some say they were angels, messengers sent by the Lord. But for now, we can shift our focus away from who they were and what message they brought. Instead, let’s focus on the way Abraham and Sarah responded.

When Abraham noticed the men, he ran to them and insisted they take time to rest and refresh themselves. Then he hurried to prepare a meal, including a choice calf from his herd. Finally, after his guests had eaten and rested, Abraham walked them out—stepping away from the comfort and safety of his own home—to make sure they found their way safely.

This story is just one of many biblical examples of hospitality, and it’s helpful because it clearly shows how God wants His people to act. Although Abraham and Sarah weren’t expecting visitors, they were still quick to greet them with an offer of rest and comfort.

God has commanded us to extend kindness to others, but what does that look like? What would happen if we tried to imitate Abraham and Sarah, not just at home but in our churches and neighborhoods?

Throughout Scripture, the Lord makes it clear that hospitality is a requirement, not a request. We’re called to graciously welcome all people. But hospitality is more than entertaining guests at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a way of living and interacting with the people around us all year long, making a way to accommodate them when they show up. It’s about letting them know they belong—not just in our homes, but in our communities.

Our overtures need not be extravagant—we just have to be willing to give freely, and often in small ways. This kindness and warmth are seen in the little things we do to make others feel comfortable, but sometimes offering them comfort requires inconvenience, surrender, or even sacrifice.

God’s love for His creation is a beautiful example of hospitality. He welcomes creation into existence and sustains all living creatures. And when we extend hospitality to others, we can delight in the opportunity to reflect His love. 

Digging Deeper

• Write down two or three things you can do this week to show hospitality to others. Maybe it’s inviting a new family in your neighborhood over for dinner, offering bottled water to delivery people who come to your door, or volunteering to help others in your community.
• We show hospitality to the Lord by extending welcome to others. As a reminder of this, some keep an empty seat at the table, acknowledging Jesus is present with us at all times. What are some practical things you can do to develop a more hospitable mindset?
• Consider Jesus’ words: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40). What does it mean to show Christ’s love and mercy to “the least” around you?

Prayer

Father, Your kindness, love, and sacrifice have given me an example to follow in my own life. Help me reflect those attributes in my interaction with others. Give me Your eyes to see the needs of people around me and, if it’s Your will, to meet them with generosity. I pray You’ll give me a heart full of love for my neighbors as well as the strangers I meet. Fill me with courage to risk loving my enemies and show me opportunities to be more welcoming. Help me to be an extension of Your hospitality in the world. Amen.