Did I miss a chance to be hospitable?
Question:
A friend called me and asked if he could have a place to stay for the night. He said he had a friend with him as well. He is homeless, and his friend has a home. I wanted to give them a place to stay, but it would be a hassle, and my wife didn't like the idea of letting someone we don't know to stay here. He has had problems with the law and drugs in the past as well. I've repeatedly told him my concern for his soul and offered him rides to services. I did give him gas money, so they can go stay at his friend's house. I wanted to let him stay and let him see my Christian example, as well as let him know he had to go to services with us tomorrow. But then again, he'd only be going because I basically made him because I would have let him stay. Did I handle this wrong? Should we have let them stay? Did I miss a chance to be hospitable?
Answer:
No, you are acting sensibly. You don't invite people who can be a danger to you and your family into your home. You can't be awake all the time. Invite him to church, offer him a ride, but don't have him stay overnight.
When we talk about hospitality, we are talking about welcoming the good into our homes. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth" (III John 4-8).
Contrast this to those we know sin or teach falsely: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (II John 9-11). You don't give support to those you know are doing evil.
