“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” – Hebrews 13:2.
Radical hospitality is a profound calling that challenges us to open our hearts and lives in extraordinary ways. It goes beyond mere kindness or politeness; it calls us to embody Christ’s love through our actions, welcoming the stranger, the marginalized, and those in need with open arms and genuine compassion.
In the Bible, hospitality is a recurring theme. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” This verse highlights that hospitality is not just a social courtesy but a spiritual practice that can have spiritual significance. Jesus exemplified radical hospitality, often eating with sinners, healing the outcast, and welcoming children. His life was a living testimony of unconditional love and acceptance.
Radical hospitality calls us to go beyond comfort zones and cultural norms. It asks us to look inward and confront our biases, fears, and prejudices. It demands that we see others as Jesus sees them—beloved children of God, deserving of dignity and respect. This kind of hospitality is radical because it challenges societal barriers, breaking down walls of race, class, nationality, and religion, fostering a community rooted in love and equality.
Practicing radical hospitality requires intentionality. It might mean inviting a neighbor into your home, supporting a refugee family, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or simply listening without judgment. Each act of genuine hospitality reflects Jesus’s love in tangible ways and transforms the recipient and the giver. It nurtures community, builds trust, and reflects God’s kingdom here on earth. As the body of Christ, the Church is called to be a welcoming community—an open table where all are invited and valued.
Our world is full of strangers, not just literal strangers to us but people estranged from their own country, culture, and families, even estranged from God and their deepest sense of self. Living a life marked by Christ-like hospitality means being a safe person who extends to others the grace, shelter, and presence of Jesus.
In conclusion, radical hospitality is more than hosting events or being friendly; it’s a lifestyle rooted in Christ’s example. It invites us into a deeper walk of faith—a reflection of God’s inclusive love. As we embrace radical hospitality, we will be transformed into living signs of hope and grace, embodying the radical love of Jesus in every interaction. When we do acts of genuine hospitality, we participate in God’s kingdom—where love has no bounds and everyone is welcomed home.
Discussion questions:
- Where have you personally experienced or received great hospitality, and what made it memorable?
- What are the internal or external barriers that make it difficult for you or your community to practice radical hospitality?