Lessons of Eastern Hospitality

In Tajikistan, there is a wise interesting saying: “A guest is a gift from God.” This simple statement explains a unique cultural phenomenon—vivid and keen hospitality. This is their culture, and it is beautiful. Many sincerely open their homes, especially Christians. But there is a “but.” Sometimes it is not connected with a genuine desire to do good to a person in need, but rather with a desire not to lose honor and respect in the eyes of others. In other words, people may be drive to kindness by concern for their own reputation, and be driven by the opinion of others. Unfortunately, this is a reality the sinful nature of a human heart, not love from a pure heart.

So it can be in the Christian life as well—hospitality may sometimes be motivated by personal interests: to show how generous the host is, to maintain a good reputation in the church, not to “lose face,” or even to gain favor with influential people. But we understand that true hospitality is rooted in principles that flow from the Gospel: “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” "You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” and “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This kind of hospitality can be observed among believers, for example, in Tajikistan. Opportunities to show hospitality are not determined by resources or means, but by a heart that desires to serve. This is worth learning from. We in the West have become accustomed to thinking that hospitality requires certain resources—houses, cars, income, time, and so on. But hospitality is first and foremost a matter of the heart, not of what one can share. Dear friends, let me repeat once again: hospitality is not about what is in my pocket, but what is in my heart!

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Pet. 4:8-10)

This passage gives us a very insightful combination of approaches to hospitality. First, hospitality is rooted in love for one another. Without love, it will always pursue some personal goal—and your guests will immediately sense it. Second, hospitality is focused on brothers and sisters before those outside of faith. This ministry should always begin with “those of the household of faith.” Third, hospitality will look different for everyone, because the spiritual gifts or each person differ. This makes the topic especially interesting. Hospitality depends on your spiritual gifts. Your abilities, talents, and gifts will determine the form your hospitality takes.

For example: Some are gifted for longer and deeper conversations, so you should invite others to your home for “tea.” Others are quick on their feet, so you should serve before and after Sunday services, noticing newcomers and those standing alone. Still others talk less and do more. For such people, there are endless opportunities for service.

Recently, there are more and more needs in the church; the sick in need of visitations, the elderly in need of company, families in need of babysitting (even for a couple of hours), the needy will be grateful for a cooked meal, those struggling with sin need regular meetings for mutual prayer and support, the young need mentoring from the mature, the lonely simply need a call and encouragement, and so on.

Friends, do not put off the matter of hospitality for too long.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb. 13:2)

A New Song for Corporate Singing:

The songs we sing on Sundays are meant to be taken home in order to serve us in daily life. This Sunday we’ll be learning a new song that is meant to serve us this holiday season: My Worth Is Not in What I Own. This modern hymn pierces our hearts to remember that the treasures of this world — the family gatherings, relationships, gifts, events, etc. that will be happening for the next two months — are not where true satisfaction is found. Our greatest treasure is Jesus. Our full satisfaction can be found only in him. Only. Everything else that brings us joy in this life is simply a gift of grace that ought to bring us to the Giver. If all was taken away, would Christ be enough?

Read through the lyrics, listen to the song, and get ready to sing this Sunday.

https://www.gfcsongs.com/song/my-worth-is-not-in-what-i-own

For further reflection on this song, check out John Piper’s 14-minute devotional:

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/our-worth-is-not-in-what-we-own

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine:

A request from elders: Dear Church, if you are sick or know of someone who is sick and cannot attend services and be in fellowship with other believers, please let us know so we can visit them.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Hebrews 13:2