On Hospitaliy (Day 12)

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"Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."  Hebrew 13:1-2

Let's be honest. We cannot talk about neighboring without discussing hospitality.

What images does that word evoke for you? Do you think of Pinterest-worthy decor? Do you think of a spotless house that passes the white glove test? Are you experiencing anxiety when you think of the elaborate meals hospitality inquires?

I hope not. Biblical hospitality includes welcoming strangers. But most of us pass that verse over as if God were kidding. Or perhaps He meant it as simply a good idea but not a command. (We think this way toward a lot of verses, don't we?)

When we look at Jesus' life we see that He was in the business of extending hospitality to society's outcasts. He engaged with prostitutes, tax collectors, the worst of society's sinners. Most of which were strangers mere moments before Jesus sat down to eat with them.

This week we'll discuss practical tips for being hospitable. Including being hospitable with yourself. 

Perhaps right now many of your neighbors are still strangers to you. Maybe you don't like some of them or maybe some of them even scare you a bit? Today I encourage you to pray and ask God to help you see your neighbors the way he does. Ask Him to give you wisdom as you interact with them but also boldness to extend hospitality to them, especially when it's hard.

How do you show hospitality to strangers? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

This post is part of the 31 Days of Neighboring series.