Should you be extended hospitality, what should you keep in mind? There is wisdom in being careful not to come under any accusation of taking advantage of anyone, becoming a sort of ‘social parasite.’ The apostle Paul and his fellow workers set a fine example in this regard. The apostle reminded the elders of the Ephesus congregation: “You yourselves know that these hands have attended to the needs of me and of those with me.” (Acts 20:34)

Once a person accepts the hospitality of another he comes under obligation to conduct himself as an appreciative guest. Jesus Christ called attention to this when he told his disciples: “Stay in that house, eating and drinking the things they provide . . . Do not be transferring from house to house.” (Luke 10:7) In saying what he did, Jesus was making it clear that his disciples should not unappreciatively leave the home of one who extended hospitality to go to another place where the householder could provide more comfort and better food. Applying the principle of Jesus’ admonition, we can see that it would be unkind to cancel an invitation simply because later something better in a material way was offered to us.