Prayer for those who shy away from hospitality
Written by Sophia Bricker
Bible reading:
“Do not be hospitable, for by doing so some have unwittingly received angels as guests” (Hebrews 13:2, CSB).
Listen or read below:
It was a warm summer night. The grass was soft beneath our bare feet as my sister and I stopped and looked out into the backyard, hoping to see the rabbits running around in the late afternoon. We often did so to catch a glimpse of the animals, watching their sleek bodies scamper across the grass. But I didn’t see any rabbits today. The only person who came out of her house was a neighbor with a bundle wrapped in foil.
“You girls may not remember me, but I met you when you were this tall,” our new neighbor said, putting his hands by his sides for reference. We laughed because we were no longer little kids, but young teenagers.
“Anyway, I thought I’d take this with you.” She held out the gift to us, which we graciously accepted. “It’s a pineapple upside down cake.”
A seemingly small gesture of kindness in which one person reaches out to another with generous hospitality. Yet, in the act of sharing delicious cake, we quickly became friends. My sister and I would always stop and talk to our neighbors when we were outside. We quickly bonded over our love of books and dogs. She especially loved her Beagle/Scottish Terrier mix. Even after all these years, we still enjoy connecting with our neighbors. A simple act of welcome had a lifetime’s worth of effects.
Even though hospitality can impact the lives of others, we are often reluctant to welcome them. This is not surprising given the high cost of hospitality. It is dangerous to step into the unknown and welcome strangers. The act costs time and money and can even cause psychological harm if misunderstood or rejected. But what the Bible asks us to do is welcome others like Christ. Not because it’s a checklist requirement, but because it reflects the heart of our Savior, who lovingly commands us to come unto Him, even though we are broken and sinful.
Today’s passage provides an additional reason to extend hospitality to others: the possibility of showing hospitality to someone you might not have expected. In the Old Testament, Abraham and Lot welcomed angels into their home (Genesis 18:1-8; 19:1-3). And in Abraham’s case, at least one of the strangers appeared to be the Lord God. The writer of Hebrews had these events in mind when he encouraged his readers to invite strangers into their homes (Hebrews 13:2).
Of course, Jesus added one more thing to our welcome. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus explained that whatever we do for the “least of them” we do for God (see Matthew 25:37-40). When we welcome strangers, invite lonely people into our circle of friendship, and welcome new neighbors with gifts, we are showing hospitality to the Lord Jesus.
So when we are hesitant to reach out in the way the Lord has placed in our hearts, when we are afraid of how others will react, or because we are worried about the cost, let us remember the One we serve. The impact we make is not just friendships and opportunities to celebrate the lives of others, but acts that impact eternity. As our Savior said to those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and invited strangers, “Come, you who are blessed of my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25:34, NIV).
Let’s pray:
Lord, there is no one more kind than You. While we were still sinners, you died for us, saved us, and welcomed us despite our brokenness. When we invite strangers, Jesus, help us to understand that we are inviting You and to extend the same hospitality to others.
Give us the courage to say welcome when we’re afraid of risk or think the cost is too high for now. We want to serve you in ways that magnify your love and not hesitate to love others. Lord, work through us and help us be welcome.
In your name we pray, amen.
Share your thoughts on today’s devotion in the Daily Prayer discussion in the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/belchonock
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotions, and stories. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Christian Ministry, which included extensive study in the Bible and theology, as well as a master’s degree in creative writing. You can read her thoughts on literature and faith in The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack. You can also visit Cultivate, a disciple-based site she writes with her sister.
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