The subject of hospitality featured prominently in Paul’s letter to Timothy. Firstly, it was a precondition for anyone desiring the office of a Bishop. “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach” I Timothy 3:2 NKJV. This is understandable because a minister of the gospel will have occasions to receive travelling evangelists and other gospel workers. Even within his local assembly, there may be hurting individuals who will need solace in the house of their leader. Secondly, it was mentioned as a condition for widows who could draw support from the church. “Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.” I Timothy 5:9-10 NKJV

We may not be able to predict when or how the reward will come, but hospitable people will always have stories of favour to tell.

However, hospitality is not only for when we want to occupy offices or draw other benefits. It should be selfless. Abraham and Sarah entertained visitors. That would later open the door to parenthood. In addition, Abraham got insight into God’s plan for Sodom. Lot must have taken his cue from Abraham. He also entertained the angels that came to destroy the city. That gesture saved him and his household from the overthrow. We may not be able to predict when or how the reward will come, but hospitable people will always have stories of favour to tell.