1 Peter 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
One of my assignments as a Campus Pastor at Liberty University was to assist the Visitor Center and the Admission Department in hosting visitors when they came to our campus. For me, the assignment played right into the hands of training our student leaders to serve later in their local church. In laying the foundation for being a gracious host to our guests, I would have our student leaders look to God’s Word for instruction and, in particular, 1 Peter 4:9. After quoting, “Be hospitable to one another with grumbling,” I gave the following statement: Be Hospitable, Not Hostile.
As we examine our verse, we find that this word, hospitable, has the idea of showing love even to strangers. The Greek word is “philoxenoi.” This word is really two Greek words that have come together to form one. The first part is philo – a word for love, and xenoi – a word for strangers. To be “hospitable” is to love even those who are strangers.
Christians are not to be xenophobic or have a fear of strangers.
Peter is not the only one who calls on believers to practice hospitality. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:13 that we are to, “Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.” Romans 12:13 presses us to truly be more than one who practices hospitality but that we are pursuing opportunities in which to show hospitability. Our mindset is not that of being a guest where we are expecting others to serve us. Our mindset is that of being a host who is pursuing opportunities to serve others. In pursuing hospitality, we are looking to serve!!
Are you a hospitable person? That does seem to be the right question to ask as we consider Peter’s instructions. Does the thought of visitors (are you ready) does the thought of visitors at your church irritate you? Do you grumble when you see a stranger sitting in your seat? (Maybe too personal?)
As I have pondered on 1 Peter 4:9 over the years I have often wondered WHY Peter wrote, “without grumbling.” Hmmm. Maybe he had some unfriendly church members. Maybe he had some church members who wanted “us four and no more.” Whatever his reasons were he sure sought to convey a message that Christians are friendly to strangers and their smile, handshake, and greeting are to be sincere. Christians are hospitable, not hostile!
The mindset of the Christian is a stranger is just a friend you have not met yet!
Continue Strong with a Host Mindset, Not A Guest Mindset!
And remember to DATE the Word
Bonus: In the 4th month of the year, April, we are extending what we are calling a 4 x 4 challenge and encouraging you to read a chapter 4. For April 9 we challenge you to read Deuteronomy 4.