"Hospitality should have no other nature than love."
-Henrietta Mears

When one re-reads the story of Sodom and Gomorrah with this quote in mind, it becomes very apparent how rude the men from the square were being to the angels. When Lot insists that these angels are visitors the men, there is the following hostile response (Genesis 19:9):

"'Get out of our way,' they replied. And they said, 'This fellow came here as an alien, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.' They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door."

A group of individuals known as the Equality Riders (www.equalityride.com) travel to different Christian and military schools asking only for conversation regarding same-sex attraction. At several locations, the riders have been arrested and/or ignored. Christians become so absorbed in policies, that common hospitality is forgotten.

During Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to two men on a road, as a stranger conversing about the happenings of his own death. Eventually, these men invited him to stay for dinner-it was in the breaking of the bread that they recognized Jesus. Seeing Christ in others IS the hope of the continuation of Jesus. "Whatever you did for one of the least of these sisters and brothers of mine, you did for me."

As Christians, the mission should be hospitality in love. The importance of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is to re-emphasis the terribleness of same-sex desires, but a story to show an example of how devastating it is to God when those who are guests are treated with violence and sexual assault. When the neighbors ask only for love and respect, this request should guide Christians towards hospitality. The question, "Who is my neighbor?" was once asked of Jesus, whose lengthy reply indicated that even those who would typically be despised, are included. The gospel is not about judging others, but treating all with love.

Learn more about this author, Kris Killam.
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