SUNDAY May 31, 2026

Showing Hospitality

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
Hebrews 13:2

This is a very interesting Bible verse. Believers who showed hospitality to complete strangers had unknowingly entertained angels! The word entertained means “to receive as a guest,” “to entertain,” or “to show hospitably.” In a time when there was so much Christian persecution, it was necessary for believers to open their homes to other Christians who were traveling and needed a safe place to stay; however, wisdom and discernment were used to make sure these strangers were not people who were taking advantage of them.

Who in the Bible entertained strangers who actually turned out to be angels? The patriarch Abraham showed hospitality to three men. Interestingly, one was the Lord––a theophany of Christ in the Old Testament (Genesis 18:1-5). How then do we know the other two men were actually angels? As we read further in the chapter, Abraham was told by the Lord what was about to happen (Genesis 18:16-21).

Sodom and Gomorrah were corrupt cities. Homosexuality was rampant among the old and the young; they were immoral and depraved. God’s judgment was coming, so Abraham interceded for Sodom, knowing his nephew Lot and his family dwelt in the city. Genesis 19:1 tells us: Now the two angels came to Sodom.... When Lot saw them, as was the custom, he invited for these strangers to spend the night in his home (Genesis 19:1-2). Do you think at that time he knew he was entertaining angels?

As Christians, we have a great responsibility, not only to love one another, but also to be hospitable. We have a big church, and it is easy for people to get lost in the crowd, so, we need to reach out to others and make them feel at home. Maybe we could invite them out to have coffee or treat them to lunch. In this way, we are extending a hand of fellowship to other people to get to know them and to pray for them.

There are times when missionaries or pastors and leaders are travelling to attend a conference at the church. What a great opportunity to open your home so they can stay awhile before returning home.

...distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
~Romans 12:13~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!