Biblical Answer

Balancing Personal Values with Biblical Teachings on Hospitality

Hospitality is a fundamental attitude towards others, as emphasized by Henri Nouwen. It is a way of being in the world, where we see strangers as neighbors and neighbors as family of God. In the Bible, hospitality is not just a cultural practice, but a religious obligation. Jesus and the apostles enjoyed hospitality at various homes, and the apostles were encouraged to continue showing hospitality to strangers (Heb. 13:2). This practice is rooted in the Jewish tradition, where providing hospitality for travelling preachers was considered a vital aspect of community life (Matt. 10:13).

Biblical Teachings on Hospitality

The Bible teaches us to show hospitality to strangers, not just because it is a cultural norm, but because it reflects our love for God and our neighbors. In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus teaches that we should invite those who cannot repay us, just as we would want God to invite us to the heavenly banquet. This passage emphasizes the importance of showing hospitality to those who are marginalized and vulnerable. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus instructs his disciples to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, implying that they should be cautious but not fearful in their interactions with strangers. This balance between caution and hospitality is essential in our modern context, where we may encounter people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Balancing Personal Values with Biblical Teachings

In balancing personal values with biblical teachings on hospitality, we must prioritize our values of safety, punctuality, and discipline, while also being open to the possibility of entertaining angels (Heb. 13:2). This means being willing to take calculated risks and be flexible in our interactions with strangers. We should not reduce people to categories or labels, but rather see God's image reflected in their eyes. By doing so, we can create a culture of hospitality that is both radically ordinary and transformative. As we practice hospitality, we should remember that it is a rhythm we calendar into our lives, a way of being in the world that reflects our love for God and our neighbors. By balancing our personal values with biblical teachings on hospitality, we can cultivate a heart posture towards others that is marked by compassion, empathy, and a deep sense of connection.