Hospitality: Open Eyes, Open Hands, Open Home – Part 2

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Hospitality: Open Eyes, Open Hands, Open Home – Part 2

1 Peter 4:9

Speaker: Pastor
Series:

Hospitality: It’s Not About Your House Size, But Your Heart Size

Have you ever forgotten something important? As I shared with our congregation recently, the Bible frequently reminds us that we need reminders! “I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have” (2 Peter 1:12). The truth is, much of the Christian life consists of things we already know—we just tend to forget them.

Biblical Hospitality Is Not Optional

The Scripture is clear about hospitality: “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). Notice that last part—”without grumbling.” It’s not enough to simply open our doors; we must open our hearts as well.

I came up with this thought recently: “Hospitality isn’t about the size of your house. It’s about the size of your heart.” My wife and I have lived in a two-bedroom apartment for the last nine years, yet we’ve had hundreds of people over. Most homes in the New Testament weren’t large either, but that didn’t stop early believers from practicing radical hospitality.

Hospitality Throughout Scripture

The Bible is filled with examples of hospitality. In the Old Testament, Abraham welcomed three strangers (Genesis 18), Laban was hospitable to Abraham’s servant (Genesis 24:31), and the woman of Shunem opened her home to Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-11).

In the New Testament, we see homes becoming ministry hubs. Simon hosted Paul (Acts 9:43), Lydia urged Paul and his companions to stay with her after her conversion (Acts 16:15), and Gaius hosted Paul and other ministers (Romans 16:23).

These weren’t suggestions—they were commands. Romans 12:13 tells us to “contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” That word “seek” means to pursue, to go out of your way to make it happen. It’s not just waiting to see who will connect with you; it’s actively pursuing opportunities to bless others.

Where Love Meets Life

Throughout Scripture, hospitality is consistently connected with love. Notice these patterns:

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:1-2).

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:8-9).

If God’s love is truly in us as believers, then hospitality becomes a natural expression of that love. It says, “Let’s connect. Let’s get together. Let’s do life together.” Because we’re broken people who love Jesus and want to connect with one another.

Practical Steps for Biblical Hospitality

First, be intentional. If you’re flying into church at the last minute, you’ll have a hard time connecting. Get here early and introduce yourself to someone new.

I’ve noticed that as our church has grown, many of us have become afraid to say hello because we don’t know if someone is new or has been here forever. But remember—we’re all just broken people who love Jesus. If I don’t know you, “you’re just a friend that I’m looking forward to meet.”

When opening your home, remember these three encouraging rules:

  1. Be warm, not perfect. People are more interested in you than your house.
  2. Be yourself. “Don’t act weird. It’s not good.”
  3. Be intentional. Don’t wait for someone else to invite you—you do the inviting!

The Blessings of Hospitality

Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” You never know the blessing you’ll receive by opening your life to others.

I remember a young couple, Dan and Karen, who visited our church in New Hampshire. Someone invited them to lunch after their first visit. That simple act of hospitality led them to keep coming. Dan eventually got saved and later became a deacon. “You never know how God can use kindness.”

Putting It Into Practice

As I reflect on hospitality, I think about our Lord Jesus Christ. He was “a friend of sinners.” He welcomed lepers and strangers. “He made space at his table for the rejected, the curious, and the broken.” He had time for children and those seeking Him in the night (John 3). He washed feet, fed the hungry, listened, served, and loved.

When we show hospitality, we’re simply being like Jesus. We don’t do it just because it’s nice or builds community—we do it because Jesus welcomed us when we were strangers. He made room for us in His kingdom. He loved us first.

This week, I challenge you to:

  1. Invite someone new to lunch after church
  2. Open your home to a family you don’t know well
  3. Think strategically about connecting with seniors, widows, or single parents
  4. Remember: it’s not about impressing others—it’s about reflecting Christ’s love

Let’s be a church known for opening our hearts, our hands, and our homes to be a blessing to others.

We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!

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