Sometimes, we’re the ones who need a little hospitality, even when we don’t realize it. And let’s be honest—it often shows up from the most unlikely sources. Take this story, for example. It’s not mine. It’s my brother’s. Believe me, it’s one of those “you can’t make this stuff up” moments.

My brother, a pastor at our home church, was working the food pantry one evening. Things were rolling along smoothly until, halfway through the night, a woman burst in like a whirlwind, grabbing armfuls of items from the tables. One of the volunteers shouted, “She’s stealing!” as the woman bolted out the door. Without missing a beat, my brother took off after her.

Spoiler alert: He didn’t catch her. She was gone. Now…there he was, standing outside, not sure what had just happened or what to do next.

Like the Bat signal had been lit, enters the hero of the story.

Standing in the doorway was a tall, well-built man with long, flowing hair, rocking a short jean skirt, an oversized tank top, and—wait for it—a training bra. Yep, you read that right. My brother was greeted by one of the underprivileged members of our local trans community, and this man came with purpose. (Yass Queen Slay…….as I am told the kids say) He was not the hero he needed but the one he deserved…….. he was BATMA…..Never mind.

“I saw the whole thing,” he said, giving my brother a full description of the woman, detailing what she took and even letting him know the cops were already on their way. He stood there, reassuring my brother that he had his back.

Now, did my brother need this unexpected hospitality? Probably not. But let me tell you, having someone from a group that often stands at odds with your beliefs go out of their way to support you? That’s a moment you don’t forget.

As for the “stolen” items? They were from the Christmas donation table—free for the taking. Sure, manners would’ve suggested taking only what was needed, but that wasn’t the hill to die on that night. When the cops arrived and asked if my brother wanted to press charges, he laughed and said, “Press charges? For what? Taking free stuff?”

Here’s the thing: we don’t always need hospitality, but it’s a gift when it comes—especially from the people we least expect. It reminds us that grace and kindness can show up anywhere, even at the food pantry door in a jean skirt and a training bra.

Lessons for the Modern Church and Our Homes

Let’s talk about Rahab. She’s not just a name tucked into the dusty corners of Joshua 2; she’s a full-blown masterclass in what it means to practice hospitality that’s bold, faith-driven, and downright transformative. Rahab’s story isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a challenge. Imagine if our churches and homes reflected the kind of audacious welcome she offered. What if hospitality wasn’t just a nicety, but a mission—a way to serve up God’s love with a side of grace? So, grab a seat (or a scarlet cord) as we dive into Rahab’s story and what it means for us today.

Radical Hospitality: What Rahab Taught Us

Rahab didn’t just open her home; she threw the doors wide open, rolled the dice, and said, “God’s got this.” (and it wasn’t even her God) She offered sanctuary to the spies, shielded them from danger, and negotiated salvation for her family. This wasn’t just a warm welcome—it was a gutsy, faith-fueled stand. Her story teaches us three big lessons about hospitality that still resonate today.

Hospitality Creates Safe Spaces

Rahab gave the spies more than a hiding spot; she gave them hope and safety. She didn’t toss them a blanket and say, “Good luck!”—she actively protected them. Hospitality, at its core, is about creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and valued. Are we a refuge for the weary? Think about offering support groups, ministries for those struggling, or just being the kind of friend who listens without judgment. People should walk into church and feel like they’ve come home, not walked into a courtroom.

Your house doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. A cup of coffee and a listening ear can be life-changing. Be the safe harbor where people can let down their guard. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Rahab’s actions mirrored God’s heart as a refuge—and so can ours.

Hospitality Welcomes the Outsider

Rahab wasn’t the obvious choice for a heroine. A Canaanite? Check. A woman with a sketchy résumé? Double-check. And yet, her faith and courage made her the perfect ally for God’s plan. She didn’t just welcome the spies; she aligned herself with God’s work. Who are we inviting in? Hospitality isn’t just for the easy-to-love. It’s for the marginalized, the overlooked, and the folks society would rather forget. Inclusivity means breaking down stereotypes, challenging biases, and seeing every person as an image-bearer of God.

Host a dinner with a mix of friends and strangers. Reach out to neighbors, immigrants, or anyone who might need community. Hospitality isn’t about impressing—it’s about including. Romans 15:7 nails it: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” Rahab’s radical welcome reminds us that God’s table has room for everyone.

Faith Fuels Hospitality

Rahab’s hospitality wasn’t just an act of kindness; it was a leap of faith. She recognized God’s power and chose to align her actions with His plans. Her faith wasn’t theoretical—it was faith in action, risky, and tangible.

Unlike most Churches on a Sunday morning, hospitality wasn’t just a part of the program for Rahab; it was an act of worship. Like Rahab when we welcome others, we’re reflecting God’s command to love our neighbors. Let every meal served, every handshake offered, be rooted in faith and love.

Whether it’s hosting friends, strangers, or wayward in-laws, let your hospitality flow from a place of trust in God. Pray over your home and the people who walk through your door. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels.” You never know the eternal impact of your hospitality.

Rahab’s legacy challenges us to rethink what hospitality means in our churches and homes. For Churches: Be a Refuge. Create ministries for vulnerable groups: single parents, recovering addicts, or the homeless. Open counseling services or prayer rooms for those seeking peace. Break cultural barriers by hosting events that celebrate diversity.

For Homes: Be a Haven. Open your doors: Host dinners or offer a bed to someone in need. Practice intentional generosity: Meet deeper needs, not just surface-level ones. Teach hospitality to your kids: Involve them in welcoming guests, sharing, and serving others.

Defending God Through Hospitality

Rahab’s boldness wasn’t just about saving the spies; it was a declaration of allegiance to God’s work. Sometimes, hospitality is about standing firm—defending truth, offering grace, and creating spaces where faith can flourish.

How do we Practice this? Encourage Honest Conversations: Make your home or church a place where people feel safe to explore faith and doubts. Stand for Truth in Love: Address injustice or difficult topics with compassion, not condemnation. Share God’s Love: Like Rahab did with her family, share your faith with others—authentically and boldly.

Hospitality Changes Everything

Rahab’s story isn’t just about hiding spies; it’s about transforming lives—her own, her family’s, and even her place in Jesus’ genealogy. When we practice hospitality, we’re not just setting a table; we’re building a legacy.

So let’s follow Rahab’s lead. Let’s open our doors, our hearts, and our lives. Whether it’s in the church or at home, let’s create spaces where God’s grace shines and lives are forever changed. Because hospitality isn’t just about what we give—it’s about what God does through us.

Stay Salty Friends and Get Lit.