Romans 12:13, Given to Hospitality
Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
There is a woman living in Shunem described in 2 Kings 4:8 as “great”, 8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. Possibly she was greatly endowed with material wealth. But I believe this is a spiritual attribute that is accorded to her. She provided hospitality in her home for God’s prophet Elisha. She invited Elisha to her home provided needful food for the travelling prophet. Elisha obliged. She can see that Elisha was a holy man of God. She discussed with her husband to make an extra room in the house to provide shelter to Elisha whenever he would pass by their way. God blessed her with a son, opening her barren womb.
William MacDonald lamented concerning the coldness of modern living, ““Never grudging a meal or a bed to those who need them” (JBP). Hospitality is a lost art. Small homes and apartments are used as excuses for not receiving Christians who are passing through. Perhaps we do not want to face the added work and inconvenience. But we forget that when we entertain God’s children, it is the same as if we were entertaining the Lord Himself. Our homes should be like the home in Bethany, where Jesus loved to be”.
Erwin W. Lutzer (Moody Church’s pastor) said well, “Hospitality is a test for godliness because those who are selfish do not like strangers (especially needy ones) to intrude upon their private lives. They prefer their own friends who share their lifestyle. Only the humble have the necessary resources to give of themselves to those who could never give of themselves in return.”[1]
In Hebrews 13:1-3 (KJV) is taught the blessing of extending hospitality even to strangers, 1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
May the Lord help His people to be given to hospitality. Amen
[1] Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World