Where should a Christian stay when traveling on a missionary journey. There are two choices: a hotel or a home of believers. Naturally, Christianity recommends hospitality by members of local churches when dealing with this question.

Believers are bound one to another by a unique bond. That bond of faith and fellowship is created by the gift of the Holy Spirit given to each believer when salvation is experienced. The hallmark of Christian conduct is “brotherly love” between believers (Hebrews 13:1). Brotherly love should be characterized by warm, personal affection and attention.

During New Testament times, hospitality toward a traveler was essential in that day when public accommodations were scarce or even nonexistent. Likewise, a believer would especially choose not to stay at places which did exist, for almost all of them were too debased or too expensive. Therefore, the grace of hospitality to strangers was important, because there were traveling preachers and others fleeing times of persecution.  

Lydia, a seller of purple who found Christ through the ministry of Paul at Philippi, was a lover of hospitality. After her salvation experience, Lydia wanted Paul, Silas, Timothy and their companions to come to her house. She “urged” the missionaries to accept her invitation (Acts 16:15). They ministered to her and in return, she wanted to minister to them. Lydia’s invitation was genuinely forceful and gracious.

Besides being entertained by Lydia in Philippi, Paul was also entertained by Jason in Thessalonica, Gaius in Corinth, Philip the Evangelist in Cypriot and Mnason in Jerusalem. Each person gladly welcomed Paul into their homes in order to assist him in his ministry. Yes, the fellowship was enjoyable and encouraging, but the opportunity to serve the Lord was even greater. Paul also wrote to his friend, Philemon, to “prepare me also a lodging” (Philemon 1:22).

The two men who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus were also lovers of hospitality. When they reached home, they “urged” Jesus to join them for the evening (Luke 24:29). They really wanted this interesting stranger to stay with them. And the reward they received for their hospitality was fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ!

Real hospitality does not consist in fancy accommodations, the abundance of food or fine china; it is the warmth and welcome of Christian fellowship. Extending hospitality is a way of expressing one’s love for another. “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint” (1 Peter 4:8-9).

To extend hospitality is an exhortation in the Bible for the believer. To obey this commandment will bring blessing. Hospitality, offered in the name of the Lord, is never forgotten in God’s sight. How important it is for believers in Christ to contribute “to the needs of saints” and practice “hospitality” (Romans 12:13). Pray that the missionaries of Slavic Missionary Service on Slavic fields (as well as other fields) will accept this privilege to accommodate short-term workers and others who desire to assist the work, whether as helpers in the summer camping programs and orphanages, teachers in the Bible colleges and seminaries, or visitors wanting to assist God’s work in that specific country.