Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
1 Peter 4:9
Down South, we pride ourselves on something called Southern hospitality. It’s the art of making people feel welcome– offering a seat at the table, a plate of food, or a tall glass of sweet tea.
It’s kindness wrapped in warmth, and it has long defined our culture. But the truth is, genuine hospitality runs deeper than regional charm– it’s a biblical command.
In 1 Peter 4, the Apostle Peter urged believers to “show hospitality without grumbling.” Those words were written to Christians facing persecution and uncertainty. Life was hard, but Peter reminded them that in times of pressure, the world should still see their joy, generosity, and love. Real hospitality, the kind Jesus modeled, doesn’t depend on comfort or convenience– it flows from a heart changed by grace.
Throughout Scripture, the word stranger often appears– and in today’s language, that means anyone outside our immediate circle: the newcomer, the outsider, the immigrant, the person who looks or lives differently than we do. God’s Word tells us that these are exactly the people we are called to welcome.
In Matthew 25:35–40, Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited Me in.” The disciples were puzzled, asking when they had done this for Him. Jesus replied, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”
Hospitality, then, is not just opening your home– it’s opening your heart. It’s making room in your life for people who may never be able to repay you. It’s seeing the image of Christ in every person you meet.
So, who in your community might need that kind of welcome? Maybe it’s the new neighbor, a college student far from home, or a family member trying to start over. When we serve them, we’re serving Jesus Himself.
Let’s make sure our homes, and our hearts, reflect His kind of hospitality.
DIG DEEPER
Read “The Blessing of Serving Others” also by Bryant Wright
