I recall very vividly, growing up in my grandmother's home, how she would often open up that home for anyone who would come calling. There was always an open door and everyone felt welcome. It was always a "warm" place to be. I know that many were spiritually encouraged as a result.

No one can deny that parts of our culture have changed. For instance, think of the godly influence we can wield upon the lost by inviting them into our homes. We can build a relationship with them, gain their trust, and begin to discuss spiritual matters. Not only can the lost be encouraged by our hospitality, but our brethren can likewise find solace, comfort, and help in our homes. It is important to the success of God's Cause that brethren dwell in unity. How can brethren learn how to work together for a single purpose when they see one another for only a couple hours a week? How can we encourage faithfulness on a continuous and meaningful basis when we have little fellowship? Hospitality can be used as a tool in this area. Also, consider how much more effective we will be in restoring the erring when a strong bond already exists because of hospitality.

The Bible has much to say on the subject of hospitality. The Hebrews writer stated, "Let brotherly love continue, Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:1-2). Who did the inspired writer have in mind when he stated, "for thereby some have entertained angels unawares?" Perhaps he was referring to Abraham in Genesis 18. It would benefit us to turn to those pages and ponder the lessons of hospitality. Hospitality was very important during those times.

One of the characteristics of the early Christian was hospitality. Paul encouraged the saints at Rome to be "given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13). He explained that one of the qualifications of an elder was not only to be hospitable, but to be "a lover of hospitality" (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1: 8). In Luke 5, Matthew opened up his residence for a feast prepared for Jesus. Matthew used his home to create an opportunity for his friends to meet Jesus. A little later in the ninth chapter of Luke, James and John observed the lack of hospitality of a Samaritan village. These brothers were so outraged that they wished to call down fire from heaven, even as Elijah did, on the inhospitable Samaritan village (Luke 9:51-56).

To be hospitable in our fast paced society will require diligence on our part. However, its importance is seen not only in the fact of it being commanded by God, but also in the benefits that can be reaped in the area of evangelism and edification. As representatives for Christ, let us strive to be more hospitable. "And above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God, if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever Amen" (I Peter 4:8-11).