Open Doors, The Heart of Biblical Hospitality

By DALTON TEW
Baptist Progress Writer

​When was the last time you prayed for open doors? This is a common matter of prayer by those who are concerned with the topic of overseas missions, and rightfully so! The truth is, there are many countries all over the world that are considered “closed.” These governments use their borders to keep out not only strangers and those deemed a threat, but those of a different culture, faith or belief system. Their hope is that they will be able to have complete control over their society.
 
My family and I lived in one of these countries for over seven years and although we faced some difficulties and opposition, we experienced an even greater measure of love, care and hospitality. Who would have thought that we would witness some of the greatest expressions of Christlike character from those who have never even heard of Him?
 
Throughout our time in South Asia, we went on many excursions into the mountain villages of the Himalayas. These trips would often take over 30 hours by bus, one day by jeep and then another day or two of walking. We carried very little with us, and never really knew where we were going to sleep each night. Nevertheless, we always had a place to spend the night and at least one hot meal each day. These kind villagers would welcome us into their homes and treat us as kings and queens. They would give their time, their food, their delicacies and in some cases, even their beds just to serve us. What we quickly learned from these people is that their borders may have been closed, but their doors were not.
 
It felt a bit uncomfortable at first, but we eventually learned that in order to reach the people of South Asia, we would also have to adopt an open door policy. It did not take long until we regularly had people in our home to study the Bible, visit, enjoy a meal, take a shower or play games. Each time someone came into our home, they would immediately be offered cold or hot water, coffee/tea or some snacks. Things were not always perfect by any means. The floor was often littered with toys and crumbs, kids whined as they became grumpy and tired, and the temperature was not controlled by A/C or heaters. We would often have so many people that we would need to sit on the floor, but this did not matter. People knew our doors were always open, and they were welcomed.
 
The Oxford Dictionary defines hospitality as: “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers.” It is a bit of an uncommon practice in today’s world to invite many guests, or even stranger’s for that matter, into one’s home. Yet this is what Christ desires of His followers. Even since the Old Testament, it has been expected that the people of God should live in this manner. In Leviticus 19:34, it says “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” (ESV)

Missionary being served

Missionaries serving

​How many of you, when invited to join someone for a meal in their home, accept the offer? You may be taken aback at first, but does it not make you feel special? Does it not make you feel seen, cared for, welcomed and honored? Is this not also the same feeling you got when you understood Christ’s invitation to come to Him? The hope is that, when we do this for others, they will feel welcomed as well.
 
Christ was the most kind, compassionate and hospitable person who ever lived. He ate with sinners. He cared about the wine at the wedding feast. He welcomed all people, no matter their social standing, culture or background. Jesus was always spending time with people and giving himself to them. His ultimate goal, however, was not just entertainment, but adoption. His desire was to welcome people, not into his earthly home, but his heavenly home.
 
Rosaria Butterfield, author of “The Gospel Comes with a Housekey” wrote “radically ordinary hospitality is this: using your Christian home in a daily way that seeks to make strangers neighbors, and neighbors family of God.”
 
I hope you can see the intentionality of this statement. The fact is, one will never just practice hospitality by accident. It is something that must be planned, prepared for, prayed over and sought out. In many ways, it is no different than an evangelical event. It may even lead to the same result.
 
Although there are many valid reasons for not inviting a complete stranger or a less known person into one’s home, the truth remains that Christians are still called to practice hospitality. Followers of Christ must welcome other people, especially unbelievers, into their lives, and this includes their homes. The hope is that, in time these strangers will no longer seem so strange, but will become neighbors who then become brothers and sisters, and beloved members of the family of God.
 
We are amazingly blessed to live in a country where the gospel can be freely shared, missionary activity is legal and it is safe to be a Christian. Praise God, at least for now, our country’s borders are wide open! Yet, sadly, many of our doors are still closed. Beloved, let us continue to pray even more fervently for open doors - both near and far.

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