MEMORY VERSE: “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. “Romans 12:13.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 18:1-10.
INTRODUCTION
Hospitality is the act of showing kindness and welcoming strangers. We have corporate and individual hospitality Acts 2:42-46; 2 Kings 4:8-13. To be hospitable is to be disposed to treating guests and strangers in a cordial and generous manner. Being hospitable is a command and a virtue that is recommended in the Bible Hebrews 13:2-3. Hospitality is rooted in generosity, gift exchange, and reciprocity. This lesson shall examine the attributes of a hospitable person and the various blessings attached to being hospitable.
OUTLINE
1. ATTRIBUTES OF A HOSPITABLE PERSON
2. BENEFITS OF BEING HOSPITABLE
1. ATTRIBUTES OF A HOSPITABLE PERSON
Being hospitable is a mindset. It is a conviction and an incurable attitude that is always displayed by the actions of the hospitable person, such as Abraham who entertained three strange men who crossed his path unexpectedly in the heat of the day Genesis 18:5.
Some of the key qualities showcased by hospitable people are:
- FRIENDLINESS: Hospitable persons are pleasant without any form of hostility Ruth 2:13-14.
- GENEROSITY: They are extremely liberal and give without holding back 1 Kings 10:10; Proverbs 11:24-25.
- OPENNESS: They operate with open minds and are open to new ideas and suggestions 2 Kings 4:9-11.
- SWIFTNESS: They are quick to welcome and entertain guests and strangers all the time Genesis 19:1-3.
- COMPASSION: They are concerned about the wellbeing and welfare of others Matthew 15:32-36. This compassion is extended to lost souls thus they go after the lost sheep Matthew 10:6-8.
- SELFLESSNESS: They are not selfish or self-centered in all they do 2 Corinthians 12:15.
- ACCOMMODATING: They can tolerate and bear long with others Luke 15:20-24.
- WARMNESS: They show kindness with their smiles, words, and actions 2 Samuel 9:1, 7.
- BURDEN BEARING: They relieve others of their problems Acts 9:36; Romans 15:26.
- CORDIALITY: They leave a lasting impression of love 2 Samuel 19:32.
- SACRIFICIAL: They give by denying themselves John 6:9.
2. BENEFITS OF BEING HOSPITABLE
God pays attention to hospitable people and answers their prayers Genesis 18:10. They are blessed by the heavenly father Matthew 25:34-35. Their deeds are recognised by Jesus Matthew 25:40. It attracts miracles and uncommon blessings Acts 28:7-8; 9:36-42. God is pleased with them Hebrews 13:16. It attracts divine visitation Hebrews 13;2. It helps believers express the love of christ in practical ways and attract people into the kingdom Leviticus 19:9-10; 1 Peter 4:8-9. It is a necessary virtue to relieve or give succour to those in distress Romans 12:13. It is a quality of good church stewardship Titus 1:7-8; 1 Timothy 3:2. Being hospitable could also make a believer inherit the kingdom of God Matthew 25:34-36.
CONCLUSION
Being inhospitable does not portray us as christ’s ambassadors. Be hospitable, it is both physically and spiritually rewarding 1 John 3;17-18, Proverbs 19:17
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Matthew 10:42
MON:Hebrews 6:10
TUE: Ecclesiastes 11:1
WED: Proverbs 28:27
THUR: 2 Corinthians 9:6
FRI: Matthew 25:40
SAT:2 Kings 4:43