There may be nothing, other than loving our enemies, that pictures the goodness of God than showing hospitality to others who would not expect it.

Philonexia (Fil-on-EX-ee-ah), is the Greek word translated into “hospitality” and literally means “to love strangers”

[Hebrews 13:2]

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

[1 Peter 4:8-9]

“ Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.  Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”

HOSPITALITY IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR for three reasons:

1. HOSPITALITY REFLECTS THE CHARACTER OF GOD TO OUR NEIGHBORS

[Genesis 12:1-3]

“ The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.  I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.  I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

[Deuteronomy 7:6]

“ For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”

[Luke 7:34]

“The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’

[Luke 15:2]

“This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!”

[Romans 12:3b]

“Always be ready to practice hospitality”

2. HOSPITALITY REMINDS US THAT ALL OF US WERE ONCE STRANGERS

[Leviticus 19:33-34]

“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”

[Ephesians 2:11-13]

“Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts.  In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.”

[1 Peter 4:9]

“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”

3. HOSPITALITY CREATES CONTEXT FOR SHARING JESUS WITH OTHERS

[Genesis 12:2]

“I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.”

B.L.E.S.S.

B: Begin with Prayer.

L: Listen.

E: Eat.

S: Serve.

S. Story.

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