“If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” When two angels passed the door of Abraham’s tent, he immediately pleaded the men to stay at his place. He also brought water to wash the men’s feet and ordered the servant to prepare a scrumptious meal. Thus, Abraham entertained angels unawares; at that moment, he practiced hospitality. Dictionary.com defines “hospitality” as “the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.” In real life, hospitality means showing love towards the guest.
A clear understanding of hospitality begins with clarifying terms. Both synonyms and antonyms of the word can help explain the meaning of the word. For example, ‘geniality,’ is synonymous to hospitality. According to Dictionary.com, genial means, “warmly and pleasantly cheerful; cordial.” When a person simply exudes pleasant friendliness toward his guest, the guest would naturally feel at home. On the other hand, unfriendliness, the exact opposite of hospitality, puts the guest into an uncomfortable position. The guest would even have to endure some guilty feelings he concocted himself. Hostility, whether unintentional or deliberate, toward the guest would make him feel awkward. Overall, hospitality has many synonyms and antonyms to help define this word.
Interpersonal relationship thrives in the presence of hospitality. Love can bring out hospitality. When a person has the love of Christ inside, he or she would naturally act hospitably to people. A guest living at a hospitable person’s house would feel warm and comfortable. For example, during my stay at my friend’s aunt and uncle’s house, they gave me their own bedroom because their small house did not have a spare room. They saw to tiny details