Practicing Hospitality Genesis 18 Genesis 18 (Read 1-8) Abraham’s eagerness to be hospitable is laudable God repeated his promise to bless Abraham with a son by Sarah God commands hospitality of Christians (1 Peter 4:8-9), “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” (Hebrews 13:1-2), “Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

What does Hospitality Require? Don’t forget to be Hospitable “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 Compassion Compassion (The Good Samaritan, described) (Luke 10:33-35), “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’”

What does Hospitality Require? Don’t forget to be Hospitable “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 Compassion Humility Humility (Abraham a rich man, but humbled himself to serve!) Note: Not sure at what point Abraham was aware of the divine nature of his visitors The Lord had appeared to Him not in His glory, but as a man (Genesis 18:2-5), “So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3 and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. 4 Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant."

What does Hospitality Require? Don’t forget to be Hospitable “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 Compassion Humility Kindness Kindness (Paul’s reception at Malta, while on his trip to Rome) (Acts 28:1-2,7,10), “Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

What does Hospitality Require? Don’t forget to be Hospitable “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 Compassion Humility Kindness Generosity Generosity (1 Timothy 6:17-19), “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (Luke 14:12-14), [Words to a ruler of the Pharisees, who had invited Him to eat on the Sabbath], “Then He also said to him who invited Him, " When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

As Christians, we are to be “given to hospitality” Romans 12:13 Gaius as an example: (3 John 5-8), “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7 because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.”