How can I practice hospitality outside my home?

2 Timothy 1:16May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.

Hospitality can be extended outside our homes to places of confinement such as hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons.

James 2:2-5Suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?

Hospitality is important in our faith communities as well. We should be welcoming and hospitable to those who desire to be part of God’s family, regardless of their social standing.