As we live in a culture where we experience large measures of materialism, isolation, stinginess, polarization and individualism that is largely governed by fear and scarcity we desperately need to rediscover the concept that is at the heart of God and become people of hospitality, especially to strangers. 

“Hospitality” Romans 12:13b “…pursue hospitality to strangers.”

Paul lists hospitality here in Romans among the true marks of believers and in 1 Timothy as the mark of leader. Further, it can be argued that radical hospitality is central to character of Abraham, as a reflection of Yahweh, and perhaps even why he was chosen to the be the Father of the nation that blesses every family (seen in Gen 18 as he welcomes the 3 strangers while he is recovering from his circumcision surgery with eagerness and extravagance). As we have been extended hospitality from God, we in turn offer it to others.

The practice of hospitality (which is both an individual and communal exercise, but mostly community oriented) reflects the willingness on the part of a community to be open to others needs, insights and contributions. Hospitable communities recognize that they are incomplete without others but also that they have a treasure to share with them. Hospitality extends from a community with deep and healthy relationships with each other and the Holy Spirit. Healthy relationships with God and others extinguish the fear of those we are not familiar with. Healthy relationships move from the hospitality of ‘we welcome you’, to the solidarity of ‘we stand with you’, to the mutuality of ‘we need you.’ Hospitality extends from a heart and mind trusting in the abundance of God. That is, God’s love, accepts, calls us and we can trust God will provide.