1 Peter 4:9
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
Truth to Learn
We should be hospitable to other Christians simply because we love them.
Behind the Words
The word translated “hospitable” is the Greek word philoxenos, which is made up of philos, meaning “fondness” or “kindness” and xenos, meaning “a stranger.” Hence, it carries the idea of being kind and inviting to others, even to those you don’t know very well.
“Complaint” is translated from the Greek word gongusmos, which means “the expression of secret and sullen discontent, murmuring, or complaining.”
Meaning Explained
Today’s verse is short and to the point. It is actually a continuation of yesterday’s verse, specifically describing some of the actions that should result from our agape type of love for one another which we reviewed yesterday. Part of considering the well being of others above our own, as Peter tells us, is being hospitable to one another. Within the church this is characterized by opening our homes to one another and getting together for fellowship.
Peter takes this even one step further by saying that we should do this without complaint. In other words, we shouldn’t expect others to be hospitable to us just because we are to them, and we shouldn’t complain about the hardship or time or expense we have laid out to be hospitable to others. Rather, we should do it cheerfully, expecting nothing in return.
Another possible interpretation of what Peter is telling us is that our time of hospitality and fellowship should not be used for murmuring or complaining about others. It should never be used as an excuse to gossip about or attack someone who is not present.
The Apostle Paul said a similar thing in his letter to the Roman Christians:
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:13)
And in his letter to Titus, Paul said:
but [be] hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, (Titus 1:8)
The basic idea that Peter is conveying to us is that we should be quick to share God’s blessing on us with others of like faith. We are not to be a friend of the world, and the world certainly will not be friendly to us if we are holding forth a faithful witness for our God. Therefore, we should be providing friendship, fellowship, and communion with other believers, and it should be done cheerfully with a complete absence of discontent.
Application
Let us be quick to share God’s blessing on us with others. Be a friend to others in the church, especially those who are not able to repay you. Show God’s love to all who call themselves Christian.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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