"Never be lacking in zeal, burt keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:12-13)Karen Mains, in her book Open Heart, Open Home, points out that “in Webster’s dictionary, the definition for hospitable is wedged between the word ‘hospice’ which is a shelter, and the word ‘hospital which is a place of healing. Ultimately, this is what we offer when we open our home in the true spirit of hospitality. We offer shelter; we offer healing.”
The Greek word for hospitality is philoxenos, which is a combination of two words that mean “love” and stranger.” If we put this together with “evangelism” (meaning the sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ,), then “hospitality evangelism” is sharing the good news of the gospel through hospitality and deeds of love so that our friends and relatives will see their need for a relationship with Jesus.
Hospitality is a wonderful tool through which we can minister. However, hospitality is also a command. Hospitality defined in a practical way is cheerfully opening our homes and lives to friends or strangers. It is not trying to impress people , but rather making people feel welcome. It encourages us to develop the attitude of a servant and is a way of ministering to lonely people. Nothing leaves a better impression on someone than a friendly invitation into a Christian home.
Beougher and Dorsett, Women and Evangelism, Billy Graham Institute of Evangelism, 1994. (By the way, the picture is of my son, Jon, and sweet daughter-in-law Ashley talking with their mentors)
