Thoughts: Hospitality is a part of the holiness code of Leviticus. It shows itself in respecting other people and considering their point of view. Here is a sample of the holiness code of Leviticus (19) chock full of commands to be considerate of parents, the poor, the foreigners, workers (not holding back wages) and a sense of justice and fairness not just toward the poor but toward all people including the rich (who are also human beings). Not lying but being honest is part of hospitality as hospitality is based on trust. Not robbing or defrauding (we could also add scamming, phishing, kidnapping or holding people or companies for ransom) is a part of being a hospitable person. This in no means is saying that we should not fight against injustice- but the way to fight against injustice is not by robbing, defrauding, or lying to those who have more in order that we may get more- or that the world would be a fairer place. Respecting the Sabbath is also a respect for the worker- who needs rest (when they were slaves in Egypt there was no rest). Respecting the Sabbath also is a respecter of God who gives us time and our time is in His hands. This section ends with a warning not to show favoritism toward the rich. This is a common thing in the world, but the rich do not deserve the best simply because they have the potential to give more. But this also says that we should not always show partiality to the poor. Why? The poor need more help. The reason why is all human beings are called to be fair and respectful to each other. Even in this same chapter we are commanded to leave some grain for the poor. All people should in general be treated as people deserving respect- but not worship. Generosity to the poor is encouraged separately than the act of being respectful to all. So, for example, we don't kick a middle class person out of our dinner or our lodging so the rich may eat or lodge with us- or that the poor may eat or lodge with us. Fairness and justice are a part of true hospitality- and that is rooted in the holiness of God Himself (19:1).
Leviticus 19:1The Lord said to Moses, 2“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. 3“ ‘Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.4“ ‘Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.5“ ‘When you sacrifice a fellowship offering to the Lord, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf. 6It shall be eaten on the day you sacrifice it or on the next day; anything left over until the third day must be burned up. 7If any of it is eaten on the third day, it is impure and will not be accepted. 8Whoever eats it will be held responsible because they have desecrated what is holy to the Lord; they must be cut off from their people.9“ ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.11“ ‘Do not steal.“ ‘Do not lie.“ ‘Do not deceive one another.12“ ‘Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.13“ ‘Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.“ ‘Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.14“ ‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.15“ ‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.
Prayer: Lord, help me to respect you and others. Help me to have grace to respect all people as those made in your image who deserve fairness.
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