Measure of a Man: Being Hospitable (Chapter 7)

I love the Greek term for hospitable: philoxenon. It is two Greek terms combined together: philos,which means "love" of an equal (like a sibling) and xenon, which is a term for "people." Thus, "hospitality" is exhibiting a care or love for people--anyone who may come by your door or enter into your life.

It seems to me that Getz nails this concept, and has collected some terrific verses to illustrate it. Acts 4:34-35 "There was not a needy person among them . . . for they distributed to each as any had need." Or 1 Peter 4:8 "Be hospitable to one another without complaint." And Hebrews 13:2: "Show Hospitality to strangers."

So, the Scripture shows clearly how we need to act. What points of actions do we need to have? Getz mentions the obvious, "Love." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

But he also hits at the reason why most Christians struggle with showing love. "Thinking about being hospitable may threaten us." Now I have met people that are not in the least threatened by giving their life savings away to people. They have a giving heart and want to solve everyone's problems. These people amaze me--they can always find a way to give and never think twice about the sacrifice. In some ways, this is a most amazing gift!

Yet, sometimes giving money or physical things may cover up the real problem. Hospitality does not enable bad behavior. Hospitality meets real needs through self-sacrifice. The key to living a truly hospitable life is intentionally to meet real needs through self-sacrifice (meaning, no payback expected or required).

I admit that I struggle with this one. It is easy for me to justify a lack of giving. Often times, when an opportunity arises, I am unprepared for it. The key for me is intentionality. Godly people live a life that intends to love others by meeting needs. I believe that in some way the sacrifice of our own personal belongings to a ministry of hospitality is an ultimate expression of Christian maturity.

So, be hospitable, and mature, by presenting your whole life to God--and intentionally planning on using the resources provided for you to make those around you be thankful to God and his provisions along the journey. The goal is not to solve things in the easiest way, but to make all of our resources God's resources; and to let God use us, whether we look wise or like fools, for his glorious purposes.