Be Not Forgetful to Entertain Strangers

 Hubby and I have spent the last 25 years trying to follow the commandment in the Bible that states that we should open our home and be hospitable .

Sometimes difficult, sometimes tiring, mostly with nothing more than humble food offerings, but overall doing our small part has definitely provided us with great rewards.

Although I hardly claim to be an expert in the field of hospitality, I do shout out its merits. 

The Bible says:

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Hebrews 13:2

That's a sobering thought.  It's often difficult to open your home to someone you don't know very well, isn't it?  Yet we are told not to forget to invite them over for coffee and conversation.

I found this wonderful quote on another blog that states:

Whatever we possess becomes of double value

when we have the opportunity of sharing it with others. 

Jean-Nicolas Bouilly

Not only are we told to invite them in and share what we have, but we are to do it without grudging or complaining. How many times am I guilty of fretting and fuming over cleaning the house before company arrives? And the screaming and yelling and bossing and fretting and fuming and then ...  And then I take a deep breath and greet the guests at the door with a smile? Yikes.

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.    I Peter 4:7 - 11 

Let love be without dissimulation. [Dissimulation is a form of deception in which one conceals the truth.] Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.  Romans 12: 9-13

Give yourself over to hospitality ... you'll be glad you did.