Inside-Out Hospitality

Biblical hospitality is more than opening doors—it’s a heart posture that reflects God’s generosity. In this first episode of Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight, we explore inside-out hospitality through the life of Father Abraham, one of the strongest biblical examples of welcoming the stranger. Drawing from Genesis 18, this creative conversation reminds us that hospitality doesn’t have to be perfect—just available.

---

Host: Hello, everyone. Welcome to the very first episode of our show: Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight. Today, I am very excited to have our very first guest, who is popularly known as the Father of Faith, but I call him the G.O.A.T. of hospitality because he set the bar so high for the rest of us. Let’s welcome Father Abraham!

Abraham: (chuckles) Thank you for having me, it’s an honour to be on the inside-out hospitality blog! I, however, don’t understand what you meant by ‘goat’ of hospitality. In what way are goats a symbol of hospitality? (looking confused).

Host: (laughs) Oh no, sorry. I am not talking about a goat as an animal. Instead, G.O.A.T. means Greatest Of All Time! You know, you are well-known for going all out for 3 strange men in Genesis 18. Can you tell us about that experience? It is said you ran towards them…on a hot afternoon! Who does that?

Abraham: Those 3 strange men were quite a story, yeah? Well, when I think about the fact that I was once a stranger and God called me and welcomed me, it comes naturally to me to welcome others. I was also a stranger, as I moved a lot from one place to another, and along the way, people were hospitable to my family and me. So, why should I withhold hospitality from others? Remember, we are in the desert. I saw 3 people who needed a little help and ran to them like God, our Father, does.

Host: Wow, that’s deep. Most times, we invite people to come over but low-key wish they never honoured that invitation. We notice needs but quickly brush them off, hoping someone else will meet that need. Here’s the thing, Father Abraham, life has become so busy. Sometimes, welcoming people feels like a lot of work! See how you had to make a whole banquet. How do we apply this in modern times? It’s not like we have calves in our backyards (at least most of us don’t), and even if we did, where is the time, and in what economy, would one ‘kill a calf’ for a guest or a stranger?

Abraham: By no means should the calf intimidate you. It’s about offering what you can and not holding back in generosity. Sometimes, we calculate too much! I think you guys have an expression for it—Japanese hand-break—and we all know that a closed hand can’t receive anything. Can the media team display Proverbs 11:24–26?

24 Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
26 People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

Whatever it is you can offer, do it with love. Whether it’s a home-cooked meal, folere (local drink in Cameroon) and chinchin, a simple glass of water, or even time to listen, it’s the heart behind the offering that matters. Moreover, there is something about giving your best that really shows people they matter.

Host: Amen to that! When it comes to offering the best, you gave the best even when you did not know the strangers’ identities. Would you have done things differently if you knew from the get-go that they were angels?

Abraham: I probably would have had my staff prepare a bigger banquet, clean the house squeaky clean, and prepare dance performances. I think God taking a different appearance also taught me a lesson or two.
One: My hospitality does not have to be perfect and planned; if not, it will be all about me, my house, and how I perform. Such hospitality takes the focus off me and places it on the needs of the ‘stranger’.
Two: I should give my best to everyone…be it a cleaner or a president. You never know which one is God, right? (winks).

Host: Right! Ok, I still have so many questions for you, but our time is running out. Let me slide in one last question. They say ‘between man and woman palava, noh put your mop’, but I can’t help but wonder what Sarah’s take is in all this? Wasn’t she tired of you always hosting people and all the work that came with it? Did it ever cause problems in your home?

Abraham: Hahahaha, don’t mind that the Bible didn’t record it, oh…that woman can host for the whole Canaan combined! God blessed me with such a loving partner. You see, every family devotion and in our daily living, I try to build the culture of hospitality in my household. This is to the point that even when I am not around, my servants know what to do. We usually have fun stories at the end of the day. Remember the 3 strangers telling us we would have a son the following year…and it did come to pass.

Host: Hallelujah…(singing) Father Abraham has many sons… many sons has Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you (pointing to Abraham)…hahaha no sorry, not you.
So, Father Abraham, do you have any last words of wisdom for the audience?

Abraham: Start showing hospitality as you are, don’t wait to be perfect. Hospitality is not about being perfect, it’s about being present—present with God (by letting Him guide you) and present with others. I encourage you to keep reading this blog for tips. I must say, Inside-Out Hospitality is doing a good job. If we all can develop a culture of hospitality, the world will see Jesus in us and who knows, we will welcome angels (bearing good news) without knowing (Hebrews 13:2). Finally, I urge you to read Matthew 25:31–46.

Host: Well, Father Abraham, thank you for this incredible chat. You’ve inspired us to open our homes and our hearts just a little wider. Maybe it’s time for all of us to start practising some inside-out hospitality, just like you did.

Abraham: It was my pleasure! And remember, if you ever find yourself in the wilderness, feel free to stop by (I mean it). I’ll make sure the calf’s been fattened.

Host: For sure! (Singing) Abraham’s blessings are mine….

(End of show)

Hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Until next month for another episode of our show 😉