The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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the same as to accept Him and to reject them as to reject Him (Mt. 10:40-42). He even goes so
far as to state that to accept a stranger is equivalent to accepting Himself (Mt. 25:35,40).
Jesus, the Son of Man who had “no place to lay His head“ (Mt. 8:20), was totally dependent upon
the hospitality of others. It was so of many of His followers. Paul asked the Colossian believers to
welcome Aristarchus if he came to them (Col. 4:10). To Philemon, Paul wrote and asked that a
guest room be prepared for him (Philemon 22).
Examples
Gen. 18:1-8 Abraham provided water and all kinds of food so that three visitors could be
refreshed and fed.
Luke 10:38 The home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus was always availabe to Jesus. This was
His favorite place to stay.
Acts 9:43 Simon, the tanner, provided lodging for Peter for some time.
Acts 10:48 Cornelius, the centurion, invited Peter to stay in his home for a few days.
Acts 16:15 Lydia invited Paul and his team to stay at her house.
Acts 16:34 The Philippian jailer, after his conversion, invited Paul and Silas to his house
and fed them.
Acts 21:4 Paul and his companions stayed with some disciples in Tyre for seven days.
Acts 21:7 Paul and his companions stayed with some brothers at Ptolemais for a day.
Acts 21:8 Philip, the evangelist, provided hospitality for Paul and his fellow workers for
several days.
Acts 21:16 Mnason, one of the early disciples, provided a home for Paul and his
companions.
III John 5-8; Rom. 16:23 Gaius was known as one who practiced hospitality.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE WITH THIS GIFT
Enjoys providing food and lodging for those in need.
Easygoing.
Tends to be friendly and outgoing.
Great ability to make people feel comfortable and “at home.”
Deep love for people and enjoyment in having people around.
Sensitive in spotting strangers or people who look lonely or uncomfortable.
Doesn’t mind having unexpected guests in home.
Considers the home a real place of ministry to others.
Provides the home for those passing through who need a place to stay.
Enjoys participating in church suppers or social events.
Tends to be nonjudgemental. Readily accepts people as they are.