How important is Christian hospitality? There are many books written about love, faith and hope, but we have very little focus on hospitality. Yet it is important enough to be a qualification for elders (see 1 Tim. 3: 2) and deaconesses (1 Tim. 5: 10). This short letter commends Gaius for his hospitality and warns against leaders like Diotrephes who refuse to assist other ministers in the Lord.

The Apostle John had sent his representatives around to the churches to watch over them and to continue to spread the Gospel among the unbelievers. Because they were believers, Gaius took them into his house and gave them room and board and whatever they needed. Even though they were personally strangers to him, he took care of them while they ministered.

Meanwhile, Diotrephes, a leader of a nearby church refused to assist them. He told wicked stories about these teachers in order to keep the church from listening to them. Anyone who welcomed these teachers met his threat to put them out of the church. Diotrephes did this because he loved to be first. He would brook no challenge to his authority and prestige.

John writes to commend Gaius for his hospitality. He also plans to have words with the likes of Diotrephes who refuse hospitality. What is hospitality and why is it so important? Christian hospitality is making someone feel at home in the family and household of God. When we talk about hospitality, we generally mean inviting someone into our home for a meal, or to stay the night. Inviting visitors to come for dinner on Wednesday night is another example. Practicing hospitality is taking care of the basic physical needs of someone else who has become your guest even though you may not have even known them before. A hospitable person shows love to a stranger whom he or she welcomes as a guest.

The emphasis in Christian hospitality is not on how nice the table is set, or what extravagant things you are able to put in front of your guest. You want to do the best by your guests, but if it is good enough for you, it is OK to offer to them. The emphasis is on meeting their needs: when they are hungry, you feed them; if they are cold, you give them something to wear; when they need a place to rest, you provide them one.

This type of hospitality is what Jesus had in mind as well: When you throw a feast, do not just invite your friends and relatives who will invite you to their feasts. Invite the poor and needy who cannot repay you, and you will have rewards in heaven. (Luke 14:12-13). One of the reasons we are to practice hospitality is so we can be like our Father in heaven who makes the sun to shine on the good and evil, and sends rain on the just and unjust alike. God is generous to those who can never repay him. We are his children. We are to be like him.

There are many people who could use our hospitality. Where do we start? John encourages us to help those who further the Kingdom of God. This makes us partners in their ministry. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth (v8). Paul tells us to start by doing good to other Christians (Gal. 6:10) and to practice hospitality with God’s people who are in need (Rom. 12:13).

Who should practice hospitality? Everyone, as they have opportunity, are to bless those who need their hospitality. Scripture does lay the responsibility of hospitality on leaders and those with the gift of hospitality should use it for the blessing of God’s people.

Some are required to practice hospitality as a qualification of their office, some are specially gifted, but all Christians are to be hospitable. You don't have to be well off to practice hospitality. Everything you do doesn't have to pass inspection of Southern Living Magazine. What is important is that you see the need and have the heart to respond. Don't think fancy; think friendly.

Hospitality is making someone feel welcome. We have received the ultimate welcome from our Lord Jesus Christ. We have been made at home with the people of God as part of the family. Hospitality is something that God has shown us. It is a family trait.

Gaius is our good example of a saint that shows hospitality. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God (v 11). Like Gaius, we should practice hospitality, which is treating guests and strangers as though they were friends and family. We give without keeping mental tally or expecting favor in return. Don't grow weary of well-doing, for in time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up.