“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9 NIV)
As a practical expression of love, Peter mentions hospitality—literally, love for strangers. It is a beautiful way to obey God’s age-old command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
When you warmly welcome someone, you open your heart to that person. That is why we are called to practice hospitality “without grumbling”, as an expression of genuine love.
In Matthew 25:34–40, Jesus says that every act of hospitality and kindness shown to one of God’s children is valued by Him as though it were done directly to Jesus Himself. So when you welcome a stranger, feed someone who is hungry, or visit a lonely prisoner, it is as if you are welcoming Jesus into your home, sharing a meal, and spending time with Him. This gives an ordinary act of kindness great significance.
Hospitality is not only meant for people who are in need. It is also a wonderful way to experience and strengthen the bond between believers. This was clearly visible in the early church: because there were no church buildings yet, believers gathered in one another’s homes to celebrate the Lord’s Supper and pray together.
In what ways can you practice hospitality in your daily life? What might it cost you, and what blessings could it bring?