Extreme Hospitality out of Extreme Poverty

Hospitality is when an invitation to a reception or meal is extended. Extreme Hospitality is characterized by a willingness to give that exceeds one's means to give. It is more than treating invited guests warmly and generously; extreme hospitality includes providing a sustaining environment to those who need it, wherever or however they need it.

Jesus described Extreme Hospitality in Luke 14:12-14. He taught that when you host a party or a dinner you should invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. They cannot repay you, but you will be blessed.

Extreme Hospitality occurs when one gives without the possibility of return. When the church in Jerusalem was suffering from great poverty, Paul was commissioned to take up offerings for them wherever he traveled (Galatians 2:10). After Paul took the gospel to Macedonia, the believers suffered because of their faith, which resulted in a loss of income. Even so, they desired to help the church in Jerusalem with its great poverty.

Paul cited the Macedonian churches as an example of Extreme Hospitality, saying, "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty well up in rich generosity. For i testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability" (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). Paul encouraged the Corinthians to follow this example. We would do well to follow it as well.

Jesus said, "The righteous ones will be invited into the kingdom because they aided Me when I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick and in prison" (Matthew 25:31-46, paraphrased). The righteous ones wondered when they had treated the King in this manner. The King responded, "What you have done for even the least, you have done to Me." In other words, the way one treats others is the way one treats Jesus.

Extreme Hospitality is an attitude and an act of the heart that says that I will not just give on a convenient level. No reluctance, a freedom of giving that is beyond means and measure. (In Effect "Grace")  Extreme Hospitality is offered without regard to any return on my investment? This seems to be the level that Jesus works at.