Genesis and WorkSample

The Rewards of Hospitality

From the Theology of Work Bible Commentary on Genesis

The story of three travelers who visited Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18 demonstrates what generous hospitality looked like in the ancient world and what we can do to practice hospitality in our work today.

Semi-nomadic life in the country would often bring people from different families into contact. The character of Canaan as a natural land bridge between Asia and Africa made it a popular trade route. In the absence of formal hospitality industry, people living in cities and encampments had a social obligation to welcome strangers. This practice also served to protect those living around the settlements. An incoming stranger, who might represent a threat, could be transformed into an ally through the offer and acceptance of hospitality.

Abraham’s reaction to the strangers highlights several common customs in the Ancient Near East. Only the male head of the household could offer the invitation of hospitality. The stranger had the right to refuse, but this could be considered an affront to the honor of the host and could be a cause for immediate hostilities. Once the invitation was accepted, the roles of the host and the guest were governed by further rules of custom. The guest could not ask for anything. The host would provide the best of what he had available. The host would not ask personal questions of the guest. And the guest was expected to reciprocate immediately with news, predictions of good fortune, or expressions of gratitude for what he had been given.

These customs allowed hosts and guests to build a relationship based on mutual disclosure and respect gradually. Although these traditions might seem outdated today, Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality story still offers insights into building relationships that we can apply to our work.

By extending and accepting hospitality, people who start as strangers get to know each other better. This is true whether the stranger is a new coworker, a boss or subordinate, or a potential client.

Today the hospitality industry accounts for nine percent of the world’s gross domestic product and employs 98 million people. While it may no longer be practical to host strangers at home, the hospitality model still applies to the workplace. Two strangers can slowly build a new relationship by sharing an unhurried meal or an extended period of time together. Like the relationships between hosts and guests in the ancient world, good working relationships are marked by respectful boundaries and mutual disclosure. As in Abraham and Sarah’s story, the result is blessings for all.

Prayerful Reflection: How does this apply to your work?