The Bible is clear about commanding us to be hospitable. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” There is a play on words that we miss in English here. It says do not “forget” (epilanthanomai) to show hospitality. This means to lose out of one’s mind because of neglect. For some have entertained angels “unawares” (lanthano). This word means to escape notice unwittingly. Neglect means failing to care for or pay proper attention to something. Unwittingly means doing something without knowing or intending to–accidentally or unknowingly.
In other words, if neglect to show hospitality, we also miss out on unwittingly (accidentally) having good blessings happen to us like entertaining angels. Romans 12:13 demonstrates the intentionality we must have when offering hospitality: “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” The word “seek” means to actively pursue or chase after something. We must actively seek opportunities to be hospitable. That means we go out of our way to do so. We have to leave our comfort zone and pursue people with whom we will show hospitality to.
Likewise, 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Our attitude towards strangers and guests matters too. If we do it begrudgingly, it’s worse than if we weren’t hospitable in the first place. God expects us to be kind, warm, and inviting to strangers. This is vital if we are going to carry out the great commission.