Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. Hebrews 13:2 (New Living Translation)

While visiting my daughter in San Antonio, I went to church with her and took away a great definition of hospitality. We often think of hospitality as those activities surrounding the holidays when we have friends and family to our houses after marathon cleaning and cooking sessions. However, the pastor pointed out the difference between hospitality and fellowship as he was preaching on the passage where Abraham is unexpectedly visited by the Lord. When we plan for a gathering or a guest and prepare our home and food with the expectation of the event, our time with our guest is fellowship. Hospitality is when you unexpectedly, inconveniently entertain someone in your home, possibly including a meal or allowing them to spend the night or two.

I’ve always admired those who seem to be prepared for company at the drop of a hat. Their house is always spotless; there are deserts and beverages on hand at all times. I prayed that the Lord would help me learn more in the area of hospitality. In answer to my prayer he landed two delightful young men from other countries in our home for the entire school year. I guess He decided I was up for the accelerated course on hospitality. I didn’t even recognize it as an answer to prayer until hearing this pastor’s discernment between hospitality and fellowship in his sermon. I discovered that it wasn’t growth in the ability to entertain friends and family that the Lord wanted me to experience. He truly wanted me to learn hospitality: how to graciously serve and love strangers. And at the same time, he answered my prayer to be more involved in missions. He provided me with my own mission field right in the convenience of my home. Thank you, Lord, you always know exactly what I need.